Martyrs’ Square (Place des Martyrs)

Martyrs’ Square, a bustling public landmark in downtown Beirut, once served as the cultural and economic heart of the capital and now stands as a popular gathering place and protest site. The square commemorates Lebanese nationalist activists who were killed for rebelling against Ottoman rule in 1916. At its center, a bronze statue created by Italian sculptor Marino Mazzacurati in 1965 honors their memory. During the 15-year Lebanese civil war, the square marked the demarcation line between warring factions, and the statue still bears the scars from that tumultuous period. Today, visitors can explore this historic space, reflecting on its enduring significance.