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Meyazia 27 Square
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Landmark
Meyazia 27 Square (Arat Kilo)
The square at Arat Kilo with the Victory Monument for the liberation of 1941
- Area
- Arat Kilo
Meyazia 27 Square is the square at Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa. Its monument marks 5 May 1941, the day the city was freed from Italian rule.
Good for
- Free entry
- Visitors
- Marks 5 May 1941, the day Addis Ababa was freed
- Stone column with a Lion of Judah and relief figures
- Also called Arat Kilo and 5 May Square
- Short walk to Holy Trinity Cathedral and Unity Park
Meyazia 27 Square is the junction that most people call Arat Kilo. It is also called 5 May Square. Four main roads meet here.
History
Meyazia 27 is a date in the Ethiopian calendar. It is 5 May in the Gregorian calendar. Addis Ababa fell to Italy on that date in 1936. The city was freed on the same date in 1941.
What to see
A stone monument stands in the middle of the square. It is a tall column with a Lion of Judah and a ring of relief figures. Panels celebrate the liberation of Ethiopia. After the revolution of 1974 the Derg took away the relief of Emperor Haile Selassie.
The Ministry of Education is on the east side of the square. Buildings of Addis Ababa University are on the west side. Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Parliament and the old imperial palace are a short walk away.
Getting there
Arat Kilo is one of the main minibus junctions of the city. Minibuses go from here to Piassa, Sidist Kilo, Megenagna, Kazanchis and Mexico.
Good to know
Entry is free. Unity Park, Abrehot Library and the Ethiopian Science Museum are all within walking distance, so the square is a good start for a day in this part of the city.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Meyazia 27 mean?
Meyazia 27 is 5 May. Addis Ababa fell to Italy on that date in 1936 and was freed on the same date in 1941.
Is Meyazia 27 Square the same as Arat Kilo?
Yes. Most people call the square Arat Kilo.
Sources
Profile last reviewed November 12, 2026.
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