Historic central square named for nationalists executed in 1916, with a bullet-scarred monument.
Martyrs' Square takes its name from the Lebanese and Syrian nationalists hanged by the Ottoman governor Jamal Pasha in 1916. A bronze statue group, the Martyrs' Monument, was erected in 1960 and later scarred by civil-war gunfire, and remains in the square as a reminder. During the war the square lay on the Green Line, and its buildings were razed. Today it is a wide open space framed by the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and Saint George Maronite Cathedral, and it has been used for rallies including the 2005 Cedar Revolution and the 2019 protests. Visitors should check the news and avoid the square on protest days. The surrounding area is a good starting point for a walking history of Beirut.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all hours |
| Address | Martyrs' Square, Downtown, Beirut |
Why it matters
Symbol of Lebanese nationalism and wartime division
Location
Martyrs' Square, Downtown, Beirut
33.8966, 35.5069 View on map
Highlights
- Bullet-scarred bronze monument
- Site of the 1916 executions
- Green Line history
- Mosque and cathedral nearby
Tips for visiting
- Avoid protest days.
- Start the Downtown walk here.
- Visit in the morning.
- Photograph the monument from the south.
When to visit
Mid-morning.
Accessibility
Flat paved square.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Martyrs' Square?
For the nationalists executed in 1916.
Is the monument original?
Yes, from 1960, with civil-war damage left visible.
Is it free?
Yes.
Is it safe?
Generally, except during demonstrations.