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Yekatit 12 square

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Yekatit 12 square

Yekatit 12 Square

Yekatit 12 Square is a major traffic roundabout located in downtown Addis Ababa. It serves as a central convergence point for several primary roads, making it a functional landmark and a key transit hub within the city. Travelers typically encounter this square while navigating between different districts or visiting nearby historical sites.

Getting There

The square is situated within the city center. Depending on your starting point in the downtown area, it is accessible via taxi or ride-sharing services. The trip usually takes between 5 to 15 minutes from most central hotels or business districts, depending on the city's traffic conditions.

Time Allocation

Because this is primarily a traffic hub and a public square rather than a traditional enclosed attraction, visitors generally spend 20 to 40 minutes here. This allows enough time to observe the layout and visit the immediate monument.

When to Visit

The square is active throughout the day. It becomes very crowded during morning and evening rush hours due to its role as a major intersection. To avoid the heaviest traffic congestion, visit during the mid-morning or early afternoon. The weather is generally mild year-round, though the rainy season from June to September may affect outdoor movement.

Nearby Attractions

The square is centrally located near several other points of interest, making it a convenient base for a walking tour:

  • Yekatit 12 Monument: 0km
  • Addis Ababa Zoo: 0.1km
  • Guenete Leul Palace: 0.5km
  • Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa: 0.5km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Yekatit 12 square

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Yekatit 12 square Nearby stays

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Yekatit 12 monument

Heritage & monuments

Yekatit 12 monument

This obelisk monument stands at the center of the roundabout in Siddist Kilo Square in Addis Ababa. It was erected to honor the victims of the Italian occupation.

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Addis Ababa Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Addis Ababa Zoo

This zoo was founded by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1948 and is home to a variety of animals, including lions and primates. With exhibits of birds of prey and reptiles as well, it's a great spot for the whole family to explore.

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Guenete Leul Palace

Castles & palaces

Guenete Leul Palace

This palace in Addis Ababa was built by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1930. It was once the actual residence of the imperial family and is a great place to explore royal architecture.

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Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa

Museums & galleries

Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa

The Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa sits on the campus of Addis Ababa University and is Ethiopia's first university museum. Its exhibits span anthropology, music, and culture, offering a broad look at Ethiopia's diverse heritage.

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National Museum of Ethiopia

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Ethiopia

This national museum is located in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, near the graduate school of Addis Ababa University. It's a great place in the city center to explore the country's heritage.

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St. Gevorg church

Temples & religious sites

St. Gevorg church

An Ethiopian Orthodox church in central Addis Ababa, built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Adwa. It's a good spot to admire its distinctive octagonal architecture and interior icons.

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