Place de la Révolution | Ouagadougou

Place de la Révolution is a public square located in the administrative center of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

It serves as a significant urban space within the capital city.

Visual Characteristics

The square is paved with concrete and features a central monument. The monument is a large, abstract metal sculpture, approximately 15 meters in height, depicting a stylized flame. The surrounding area is characterized by low-rise administrative buildings and paved walkways. Vegetation is sparse, consisting primarily of scattered acacia trees and manicured shrubs.

Location & Access Logistics

Place de la Révolution is situated in the central district of Ouagadougou, approximately 1 kilometer south of the Presidential Palace. Access is via Avenue Kadiogo and Avenue Bassawarga. Several public bus lines, including lines 1, 3, and 7, stop within a 200-meter radius of the square. Limited on-street parking is available, often requiring payment to local attendants. The nearest taxi stand is located at the intersection of Avenue Kadiogo and Avenue Yennenga.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The square was established in the late 1980s, following the 1987 coup d'état, and was renamed Place de la Révolution to commemorate the revolutionary period. The central monument was erected in the early 1990s. The area is part of the Sahelian savanna ecological zone, characterized by a semi-arid climate.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the central monument. The square is a common site for public gatherings and demonstrations. Walking through the open space is possible. Photography of the monument and surrounding architecture is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located in a small building on the western edge of the square. Shade is provided by the scattered trees and the overhang of adjacent buildings. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the square. No food vendors are permanently stationed within the square; however, street vendors often operate on the perimeter during daylight hours.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the best lighting conditions are typically between 08:00 and 10:00 and again between 16:00 and 18:00, avoiding the harshest midday sun. The dry season, from November to April, offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The hottest months are typically March and April.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the abstract design of the central monument was intended to represent the spirit of progress and national unity, though its exact interpretation remains a subject of informal local discussion.

Nearby Landmarks

• Presidential Palace (0.8km North)
• National Museum of Burkina Faso (1.2km West)
• Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou (1.5km Northwest)
• Ouagadougou Cathedral (1.8km West)