DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

July 22nd Square

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
July 22nd Square (Gambia)

Weather…

July 22nd Square, formerly known as McCarthy Square, is the central public park and parade ground in the heart of Banjul. Its current name commemorates the military coup of July 22, 1994, which marked the end of Dawda Jawara's presidency. The square is surrounded by buildings of historical and political significance, including the House of Parliament and the National Library. It serves as the primary venue for national celebrations, military parades, and the annual Independence Day festivities on February 18th. A prominent landmark located at its entrance is Arch 22, a monumental triumphal arch that stands as the gateway to the capital. For the residents of Banjul, the square is a vital recreational space and a venue for traditional sports like cricket, a legacy of the British colonial era.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242628292929282727272624
Rain mm10524741873062316730

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
July 22nd Square is a public square, freely accessible at all times. It is used for national celebrations and parades; otherwise, it is a quiet spot to rest.
🕒
Typical hours
As a public square, there are no opening hours. It is best visited during the day when the area is safe and lively.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime on the square. The central monument or flagpole make good subjects; daily life of locals also gives great shots.
⏱️
Time needed
A brief visit to the square takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you also admire the surrounding architecture and take photos, allow 30 minutes.
➕
Combine with
The square is located in central Banjul; combine the visit with Arch 22 and the Gambia National Museum. Both attractions are within walking distance.
🧭
Getting there
July 22nd Square is in the heart of Banjul, easily walkable from most hotels. Taxis and minibuses stop nearby.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the square on a national holiday to experience the festive atmosphere with parades. On normal days it is quiet - handy for a shady break.

Geography

Coordinates
13.45500, -16.57610

Facts

  • The square was originally named McCarthy Square after a colonial governor.
  • The current name refers to the military takeover by Yahya Jammeh in 1994.
  • It houses the Banjul War Memorial for those lost in the World Wars.
  • The square is a traditional venue for cricket matches in The Gambia.
  • It is located directly across from the House of Parliament on Independence Drive.
  • Major state ceremonies and parades are held here in the open air.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

King Fahad MosqueKing Fahad Mosque<1 km · NExplore →
St. Mary's IslandSt. Mary's Island3 km · SExplore →
Fort BullenFort Bullen5 km · NEExplore →
Denton BridgeDenton Bridge5 km · SExplore →
Tanbi Wetland ComplexTanbi Wetland Complex6 km · SWExplore →
Sarro Groundnut Processing PlantSarro Groundnut Processing Plant7 km · SEExplore →
Old JeshwangOld Jeshwang8 km · SExplore →
TallindingTallinding9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town July 22nd Square (10)

Saint Mary's Church

Anglican church in Banjul, Gambia, an architectural structure.

Gambia National Museum🏛 museum

Museum of prehistory, culture, history and natural history in central Banjul.

Six-Gun Battery

Part of the Kunta Kinteh Island UNESCO site, a gun battery in Banjul.

Banjul City Council

Administrative building of Banjul city, Gambia, an architectural structure.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

Roman Catholic cathedral in Banjul, Gambia, a church building in Africa.

Albert Market

Street market in Banjul, Gambia, with food and craft stalls.

Banjul Mosque

Mosque in Banjul, Gambia, a place of worship for Muslims.

Arch 22 Museum🏛 museum

Museum located inside Arch 22 in Banjul, Gambia.

Arch 22

Triumphal arch in Banjul, Gambia, commemorating independence.

Tanbi Wetland Complex

Mangrove wetland and bird reserve near Banjul, Gambia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of the square?
It commemorates the 1994 coup d'état and serves as a site for parades and celebrations.
Can you visit Arch 22?
Yes, inside the arch there is a small museum and an observation deck.
Where is July 22 Square located?
It is located in the center of Banjul, right at the beginning of Independence Drive.
Is there an entry fee for the square?
The square itself is public; access to Arch 22 costs a small fee.
What can be seen near the square?
Important government buildings and the National Museum are located nearby.
July 22nd Square: where is it located?
July 22nd Square is located in Gambia.
July 22nd Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Mary's Church, Gambia National Museum, Six-Gun Battery.
July 22nd Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
July 22nd Square: why is it worth visiting?
July 22nd Square, formerly known as McCarthy Square, is the central public park and parade ground in the heart of Banjul.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Gambia →

Nearby cities

Banjul — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Banjul
Banjul is the capital city of The Gambia, located on St.

History & landmarks

St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The primary Catholic church in Banjul, known for its colonial architecture and stained glass windows.
King Fahad Mosque — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
King Fahad Mosque
The largest mosque in Banjul and a major religious landmark of the capital city.
Albert Market — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Albert Market
A vibrant and colorful market in Banjul, selling everything from food items to local handicrafts.
State House — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
State House
The official residence and workplace of the President of The Gambia, a historic colonial-style building.
National Museum of The Gambia — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
National Museum of The Gambia
A museum in Banjul showcasing the history, culture, and ethnography of The Gambia through various exhibits.

More places

Arch 22 — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Arch 22
A monumental triumphal arch at the entrance to Banjul, commemorating the peaceful military coup of July 22, 1994.
National Museum of The Gambia — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
National Museum of The Gambia
The museum presents a rich collection on the archaeology, ethnography, and colonial history of the country.
Gambia Milling Corporation — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Gambia Milling Corporation
A modern wheat mill in the Banjul port area, which produces most of the flour needed in the country.
🗺️
Fort Louvel
A small defensive work in Banjul, built in 1831 during the Barra Wars to protect British settlers.
Port of Banjul — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Port of Banjul
Gambia's main port and the economic heart of the country, through which almost all foreign trade is handled.
St. Joseph&#39;s Church Banjul — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
St. Joseph's Church Banjul
The country's first Catholic church, built in the mid-19th century, a significant religious monument.
Banjul Fisheries Jetty — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
Banjul Fisheries Jetty
A specialized port area in the capital, dedicated exclusively to the commercial fishing fleet and fish processing.
St. Mary&#39;s Island — July 22nd Square (Gambia)
St. Mary's Island
The island at the mouth of the Gambia River on which the capital city Banjul is located.