January 20 Monument

The January 20 Monument is one of the most hallowed memorial sites in Guinea-Bissau, commemorating a tragic event that forever altered the course of the nation's history. On January 20, 1973, Amílcar Cabral, the founder of the PAIGC and the intellectual father of independence, was assassinated in Conakry. The monument in Bissau serves as the primary focal point for honoring his sacrifice and the enduring legacy of the liberation struggle. Its architectural design is symbolic and minimalist, intended to reflect the gravity and profound sense of loss felt by the people. Every year on January 20th, observed as 'National Heroes' Day,' the site hosts major state ceremonies and commemorative events. The monument represents not only the sorrow of Cabral’s passing but also the unyielding spirit of the Bissau-Guinean people, who persisted in their fight for sovereignty despite the loss of their primary leader. The area surrounding the monument is characterized by a solemn tranquility that contrasts sharply with the bustling energy of the capital. For the citizens, this site is a cornerstone of national identity and a constant reminder of the principles of unity, peace, and social justice for which Cabral gave his life.

Nearby cities

Bissau

Bissau is the capital and largest city of Guinea-Bissau, situated on the Geba River estuary on the Atlantic Ocean.

History & landmarks

Bissau City Hall

The seat of Bissau's city government (Câmara Municipal), a historic building housing the administrative management of the capital.

Supreme Court of Bissau

The seat of the Supreme Court of Guinea-Bissau, the highest judicial body in the country, housed in a prominent building in the capital.

French Cultural Center Bissau

An important cultural center in the capital, offering art exhibitions, concerts, and language courses, promoting intercultural exchange.

Portuguese Cultural Center Bissau

A significant cultural center that maintains the historical and linguistic links between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau.

Simão Mendes National Hospital

The largest and most important hospital in the country, named after a martyr of the independence struggle, a central landmark in Bissau.

Presidential Palace of Bissau

The official residence of the President of Guinea-Bissau, a magnificent colonial-style building reconstructed after its destruction durin…

BCEAO Building Bissau

The main branch of the Central Bank of West African States in Bissau, an imposing modern building symbolizing the economic stability of t…

Central Market of Bissau

The pulsating heart of trade in Bissau, a colorful market where everything from fresh food to traditional handicrafts is sold.

Nature

Geba River

The Geba River is the most important river in Guinea-Bissau, flowing through the capital Bissau into the Atlantic Ocean.

More places

Heroes of the Fatherland Monument

A monumental square and monument in Bissau dedicated to the fighters who gave their lives for the independence of Guinea-Bissau.

Bissau Cathedral

The Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Candelária is a prominent religious building in Bissau.

Praça dos Heróis Playground

A central meeting point for families in Bissau with play equipment and plenty of space to run.

Bissau Thermal Power Plant

The central power generation facility of the capital, responsible for supplying electricity to households and industrial enterprises.

Fortaleza de São José da Amura

A historic fortress in the center of Bissau, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century.

Bissau Zoological Garden

A small urban zoo in the capital showing native animal species for educational purposes.

Pidjiguiti Memorial

This monument commemorates the 1959 Pidjiguiti massacre, where striking dockworkers were killed by Portuguese police.

Old Port of Bissau

The old port (Porto de Bissau) is the historic gateway to the city and the country.