Arat Kilo

Arat Kilo is the everyday name for Meyazia 27 Square in central Addis Ababa, one of the city's principal roundabouts and the reference point for the surrounding district and for Addis Ababa University's main campus. The name is Amharic for four kilo, reflecting its position at the fourth kilometre marker from the historic centre; the same pattern gives nearby Sidist Kilo, six kilo, its name. The official title, Meyazia 27, refers to 27 Meyazia in the Ethiopian calendar, equivalent to 5 May, the date Addis Ababa was liberated from Italian occupation in 1941. At its centre stands a monument commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie for his 1930 coronation, topped by the Lion of Judah and surrounded by relief panels. Italian occupying forces removed it in 1936 and it was rebuilt in 1949 with new reliefs commemorating the liberation. Holy Trinity Cathedral, the former Imperial Palace and several government buildings stand nearby. It is freely accessible at any time.