Place de l'Étoile Rouge
Cotonou's largest roundabout monument, topped by a giant red five-pointed star that symbolizes the Marxist-Leninist era of the 1970s and 1980s.
Place de l'Étoile Rouge sits at the center of a large roundabout where Cotonou's major roads meet. The monument is topped by a huge red five-pointed star, with a soldier sculpture and a memorial wall below. It was built during the period of the “People's Republic of Benin” under President Mathieu Kérékou, who pursued Marxist-Leninist policies. Today it is a site for honoring those who died for the nation and a landmark for finding your way around the city. Traffic here is heavy, so take extra care when crossing the road. It's best to pass by car or pause briefly for photos. It can be paired with the Amazon statue and Michel Market for a half-day city tour.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Fondation Zinsou
- Centre de Promotion de l'Artisanat
- Dantokpa Market
- Amazon Statue (Monument de l'Amazone)
- Cotonou Cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde)
- Fidjrossè Beach
- Ganvié
- Bouche du Roy