Arat Kilo Addis Ababa
A historic Addis Ababa intersection featuring significant monuments and a modern underground passage, blending past and present.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the Victory Day celebration
Arat Kilo Addis Ababa
Best Time
Witness the Victory Day celebration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Addis Ababa intersection featuring significant monuments and a modern underground passage, blending past and present.
"A smart design that blends history with modern convenience, making a busy intersection accessible and engaging."
📸 Capture the History
The monuments are rich in history. Take time to appreciate their significance and capture them respectfully.
🚶♀️ Explore the Underpass
Don't miss the modern underground passage with shops and cafes – a smart upgrade to the busy roundabout.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yekatit 12 Monument
A solemn tribute to Ethiopians who perished during the 1937 massacre by fascist Italy. A powerful reminder of resilience.
Victory Monument (Miyaziya 27 Square)
Commemorates Emperor Haile Selassie I's triumphant return and Ethiopia's victory over Italian occupation.
Modern Underground Passage
A smart, modern upgrade featuring shops, cafes, and elevators, making this busy intersection more accessible.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Navigating the Area
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the History
The monuments are rich in history. Take time to appreciate their significance and capture them respectfully.
🚶♀️ Explore the Underpass
Don't miss the modern underground passage with shops and cafes – a smart upgrade to the busy roundabout.
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
Arat Kilo is a major intersection. Stay alert when crossing and use the designated pedestrian areas.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The new underpass offers several coffee spots to relax and people-watch.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the History
The monuments are rich in history. Take time to appreciate their significance and capture them respectfully.
🚶♀️ Explore the Underpass
Don't miss the modern underground passage with shops and cafes – a smart upgrade to the busy roundabout.
🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic
Arat Kilo is a major intersection. Stay alert when crossing and use the designated pedestrian areas.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The new underpass offers several coffee spots to relax and people-watch.
🗣️ Learn the Stories
Research the history of the monuments beforehand to fully appreciate their importance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Arat Kilo for its historical significance, particularly the Victory Monument and Yekatit 12 Monument, and appreciate the modern upgrades to the roundabout, including the convenient underground passage with shops and cafes. Some find it a busy intersection, but the historical context and new infrastructure are generally well-received.
"Visited to commemorate our Ethiopian Patriots and btw the new upgrade to tge roubdabout is really nice. Remember the steel bridge we had over the streets with unsanitary condition, well this felt like i was going to the subway built under the streets with a lot of business centres, coffee spots and an elevator on 3 sides of thd street. Really smart design."
tewodros wondwossen
"The Victory monument or Miyaziya 27 Square is erected to signal the triumphant entry of Emperor Haileselasie l and Ethiopian patriots to Addis Ababa by May 5/ 1941 or Miyaziya 27/ 1933 E.C after a five years brief occupation of the country by the fascist force. On May 5 annually the victory day celebrated here with the appearance of the head of state, Ethiopian patriots, and a police orchestra."
Mohammedkabir Dawud Mohammed
"A monument to honour the patriots of the war with the Italians - very prominent at a very busy roundabout."
Hoosain Narker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arat Kilo is a central and well-known intersection in Addis Ababa. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many local buses also pass through this area.
Yes, Arat Kilo is a major hub for public transportation in Addis Ababa. Numerous bus routes converge here, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.
The intersection has undergone recent upgrades, including an underground pedestrian passage with shops and elevators. Utilize these facilities to cross safely and conveniently.
While Arat Kilo itself is a busy roundabout, nearby areas and commercial centers like Ambassador Mall may offer parking. It's often easier to use taxis or ride-sharing.
Yes, you can walk around the area, especially within the new underground passage. However, be cautious when crossing the main road due to heavy traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the monuments at Arat Kilo, including the Yekatit 12 Monument and the Victory Monument, are open to the public and do not have an entrance fee.
Arat Kilo is a public space and intersection, so it's accessible at all times. However, the businesses within the underground passage will have their own operating hours.
Yes, Arat Kilo is accessible at night. The monuments are often illuminated, offering a different perspective. Businesses in the underpass will have their respective closing times.
No, there are no tickets required to visit the monuments or the public areas of Arat Kilo.
While there aren't official tours specifically for the roundabout itself, many tour operators in Addis Ababa include Arat Kilo and its monuments in their city tours.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Arat Kilo. You can capture the monuments and the bustling city life. Be mindful of people's privacy when taking photos.
The Victory Monument and the Yekatit 12 Monument are prime subjects. The modern underground passage also offers interesting architectural shots.
There are no specific public announcements regarding drone photography restrictions at Arat Kilo, but it's always advisable to check local regulations and be respectful of the area.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for photography. Evening can be dramatic with the monuments illuminated.
Yes, you can take photos inside the underground passage, capturing the modern design and the businesses within.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the newly upgraded underground passage at Arat Kilo features several coffee spots and small eateries.
You can find local Ethiopian coffee and snacks within the Arat Kilo underpass. For a wider variety of dining options, explore the surrounding neighborhoods like Piassa.
The underground passage has several coffee spots, perfect for a quick break or to soak in the local atmosphere.
The businesses in the underpass are generally reputable. It's always good practice to observe hygiene standards and choose busy establishments.
While Arat Kilo itself focuses on local offerings, the broader Addis Ababa city center, accessible by a short taxi ride, has a wide range of international restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the open spaces around the monuments can allow for some running around. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more comfortable. Bringing snacks and water is always a good idea, though the underpass does offer some food and drink options.
🏛️ History Buffs
Consider visiting on May 5th to witness the Victory Day celebrations, if your travel dates align, for a truly immersive historical experience. Even outside of this date, the monuments themselves are powerful storytellers. The modern underground passage, while new, also represents a layer of the city's evolving history.
🚶♀️ Urban Explorers
Take time to appreciate the traffic flow and the integration of the new infrastructure with the existing urban fabric. The area around Arat Kilo is a dynamic part of Addis Ababa, offering a glimpse into the city's blend of tradition and progress.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Arat Kilo
In stark contrast, the Victory Monument, also known as Miyaziya 27 Square, celebrates Ethiopia's triumph and resilience. Erected to mark the triumphant return of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Ethiopian patriots to Addis Ababa on May 5, 1941, after five years of Italian occupation, this monument symbolizes national pride and liberation. Victory Day is still celebrated here annually with significant national presence.
These monuments are not just structures; they are living testaments to Ethiopia's struggle, sacrifice, and ultimate victory, making Arat Kilo a historically charged location.
Modernizing a Historic Hub: The Arat Kilo Upgrade
This modern underpass is more than just a tunnel; it's a vibrant hub. It houses a variety of business centers, coffee spots, and shops, offering visitors and locals a place to rest, refuel, and shop. The inclusion of elevators on multiple sides further enhances accessibility, making it easier for everyone to traverse the area. This thoughtful development blends the historical significance of Arat Kilo with the practical needs of a growing capital city, creating a unique urban experience.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit