Monument to National Heroes, Monument and memorial in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Monument to National Heroes is a 55-meter-tall concrete structure in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Its futuristic, tapered shape rises sharply into the sky, making it visible from many parts of the city and from the surrounding Ouaga 2000 district.
The idea for the monument goes back to former president Thomas Sankara, who in 1987 wanted a site to honor those who died during the revolution. Construction did not begin until 2002, as part of the larger Ouaga 2000 urban development project.
The monument is also known as the Monuments des Martyrs and stands in the Ouaga 2000 district, a planned area built around government offices. On national holidays, people gather around it to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the country.
The monument is located in the Ouaga 2000 district, which is spread out and most easily reached by vehicle. Inside, stairs lead to a viewing platform at the top, though the elevators are not always in service, so be prepared for a walk up.
Despite its futuristic shape, which many visitors compare to a rocket or a spaceship from a 1960s science fiction film, the interior of the monument is not yet fully finished. Some rooms remain empty or under construction, giving the visit an unexpectedly raw quality.
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