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Monument to the Great War

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Historical site
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Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)

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The Monument to the Great War in Maputo, located at Praça MacMahon (now Praça dos Trabalhadores), stands as a monumental tribute to Mozambique's involvement in World War I. Inaugurated in 1930, it commemorates the Portuguese and Mozambican soldiers who died during the East African campaign against German colonial forces. Designed by sculptor Rui Roque Gameiro and architect Veloso Reis, the monument features a robust granite structure dominated by a central bronze statue of a female figure personifying Portugal. At her feet, a soldier is depicted fighting a snake, symbolizing the struggle and eventual victory over enemy forces. The side panels are adorned with intricate reliefs showcasing scenes of wartime life and the collaboration between European and African troops. Beyond its role as a memorial, the monument is a significant example of Portuguese nationalist architecture from the interwar period. Despite the political shifts following independence, it remains a well-preserved part of the city's historical and cultural landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626242220192123242526
Rain mm15399956421181614285198123

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monument to the Great War in Maputo is a public monument that can be viewed from the outside at any time. The interior is not accessible.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no opening hours. It is accessible 24/7, but poorly lit at night.
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Photography
Photography from the outside is allowed any time. The imposing sculpture with its pedestal makes for impressive shots.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 10-15 minutes to view the monument and walk around it. Reading the inscriptions takes a little longer.
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Combine with
The monument is in central Maputo, near Tunduru Garden and Independence Square. A stroll through the city centre is recommended.
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Getting there
The monument is within walking distance from anywhere in the city centre. Public transport like 'chapa' buses stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument early in the morning when the streets are still quiet. Combine the visit with breakfast at Café do Tunduru.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.97340, 32.56810

Facts

  • The monument was officially inaugurated on November 11, 1930.
  • It commemorates those fallen during World War I in East Africa.
  • The design was authored by sculptor Rui Roque Gameiro and Veloso Reis.
  • The central bronze female figure is often called 'Mother of Portugal'.
  • The structure is primarily composed of massive granite stone.
  • It is located directly opposite the historic CFM railway station in Maputo.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Central Market MaputoCentral Market Maputo<1 km · NEExplore →
Vila AlgarveVila Algarve2 km · NExplore →
Praça dos Heróis MoçambicanosPraça dos Heróis Moçambicanos3 km · EExplore →
Church of Santo António da PolanaChurch of Santo António da Polana3 km · NExplore →
CatembeCatembe3 km · WExplore →
Xipamanine MarketXipamanine Market3 km · SEExplore →
Monument to the Mozambican WomanMonument to the Mozambican Woman4 km · NEExplore →
Matola Cement FactoryMatola Cement Factory9 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 Monument to the Great War (2)

Museu da Moeda🏛 museum

Designated as a Class A heritage site, the Museu da Moeda exhibits numismatic collections.

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Mesquita da Baixa⛪ religious

Mesquita da Baixa is a Class B heritage-listed Islamic place of worship with traditional architectural features.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the monument commemorate?
It commemorates those who fell in World War I in Mozambique.
Is it easy to find?
Yes, it is centrally located in Maputo.
Does the visit cost anything?
No, it is a public monument.
How long does a stop take?
About 10 to 15 minutes for a photo and the inscriptions.
Is the area safe?
During the day yes, but be vigilant.
Monument to the Great War: where is it located?
Monument to the Great War is located in Mozambique.
Monument to the Great War: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu da Moeda, Mesquita da Baixa.
Monument to the Great War: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Monument to the Great War: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to the Great War in Maputo, located at Praça MacMahon (now Praça dos Trabalhadores), stands as a monumental tribute to Mozambique's involvement in World War I.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

🗺️
Maputo City Hall
A striking neoclassical building located in the heart of the capital.
Central Market Maputo — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Central Market Maputo
A bustling historic market featuring beautiful iron architecture from the colonial era.
Fortaleza de Maputo — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Fortaleza de Maputo
A historic Portuguese fortress located on the Maputo Bay.
Bank of Mozambique Headquarters — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Bank of Mozambique Headquarters
A striking modern skyscraper and the central financial institution of the country.
Tunduru Botanical Gardens Gates — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Tunduru Botanical Gardens Gates
The striking entrance gate and historic pavilion of the central botanical garden in Maputo.
Samora Machel Statue — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Samora Machel Statue
A monumental bronze statue of the first president of independent Mozambique.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Maputo-Katembe Bridge
The longest suspension bridge in Africa, spanning the Maputo Bay.
Iron House — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Iron House
A building constructed entirely of iron plates, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel.

More places

Maputo Fortress — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Maputo Fortress
A historic Portuguese fortress in the center of the capital.
Port of Maputo — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Port of Maputo
One of the largest deep-water ports in East Africa, serving as a vital trade hub.
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Maputo Railway Station
A magnificent historic railway station, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Maputo Cathedral — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Maputo Cathedral
A striking white Art Deco building from the colonial era.
Iron House (Casa de Ferro) — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Iron House (Casa de Ferro)
A building constructed entirely of iron from the late 19th century.
Vila Algarve — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Vila Algarve
A historic building in Maputo with a dark past as the PIDE headquarters.
Church of Santo António da Polana — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Church of Santo António da Polana
Unique modernist church in the shape of a lemon squeezer.
Heroes&#39; Square (Praça dos Heróis) — Monument to the Great War (Mozambique)
Heroes' Square (Praça dos Heróis)
An important monument in Maputo dedicated to the freedom fighters of Mozambique.