Martyrs’ Square (Place des Martyrs)

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.