Martyrs’ Square (Place des Martyrs)

The basics

Martyrs’ Square is considered an indispensable stop on any Beirut itinerary. The sculpture—still riddled with bullet holes from the country’s decade-and-a-half civil war—serves as an important public memorial and merits a visit in its own right. The downtown square is also a popular destination for its proximity to other major Beirut must-sees: Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, otherwise known as the biggest mosque in Lebanon, St Elias Greek Catholic Church just next door (making the square a symbol of co-existence), and the Place de l’Etoile, a picturesque café-lined public square where you can see the Ottoman-era Al-Abed Clock Tower.

Visitors will find plenty of ways to work in a stop at Martyrs’ Square. Beyond visiting independently, plenty of half-day or full-day city tours include a walk around the public memorial. Those looking for more detailed context about the statue and its history will find private and small-group options.

Things to know before you go

• Martyrs’ Square is open year-round. No admission tickets are needed: a stroll through the public square is free for all visitors.

• Plan to combine a visit to the square with other central attractions in the Beirut Central District. Plenty of walking tours in the area can help get you oriented.

• Martyrs’ Square lives up to its history of political activism and civic engagement. During a public demonstration in 2005 after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, the square brought together a whopping one million Lebanese protestors. Today, Martyrs’ Square is also home to Hariri’s tomb and memorial.

• Check the latest guidance to make sure no official events or demonstrations are planned for the day of your visit.

How to get there

Martyrs’ Square is centrally located in one of Beirut’s most pedestrian-friendly districts. You can get between many attractions on foot. You’ll find plenty of private taxi or rideshare options if coming from further away. You can also take a public bus to the Charles Hélou Bus Station and continue on foot for 10 minutes.

When to get there

Martyrs’ Square is viewable year-round, although many visitors to Beirut prefer to visit outside the summer months when hot temperatures make walking around the downtown district a more strenuous adventure. Winters tend to be mild, although they often bring rain. Check the latest weather forecasts when planning your trip.

How to visit Mohammad Al Amin Mosque

With the first foundation stone laid in 2002, Mohammed Al Amin is not only Lebanon’s biggest mosque but also one of the country’s newest. In addition to a prayer space for Sunni Muslims, it’s also where the funeral of Rafic Hariri took place in 2005. Visitors—even non-Muslim ones—will have no trouble visiting the mosque outside of prayer times; just note that women will be expected to cover their hair.