National monument

Monumen Nasional in Jakarta, Indonesia, built to commemorate the Indonesian struggle for independence

Altare della Patria, Rome

A national monument is a monument constructed in order to commemorate something of national importance such as the country's founding, independence or a war.

The term may also refer to a specific monument status, such as a national heritage site, which most national monuments are by reason of their cultural importance rather than age. The National monument aims to represent the nation, and serve as a focus for national identity.

Overview

A series of structures or areas deemed to be of national importance and therefore afforded protection by the state are part of a country's cultural heritage. These national heritage sites are often called something different per country and are listed by national conservation societies. Romania has listed at least one plant as a national monument, Nymphaea lotus f. thermalis.^[1]

Example

Maqam Echahid in Algiers, Algeria, iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence.

References

See also

• National heritage sites of South Africa
• National icon
• National memorial
• National Monument (United States)