National Heroes Acre
Harare
National Heroes Acre is a significant national monument and burial site located on a 23-hectare ridge near Harare, Zimbabwe. Established shortly after independence in 1980, it commemorates Patriotic Front guerrillas and notable Zimbabweans who contributed to the country's liberation and development. The monument's design, inspired by two back-to-back AK-47 rifles, symbolizes the armed struggle for independence. Constructed in 1982 with collaboration between Zimbabwean and North Korean architects, the site features a towering Eternal Flame, murals depicting Zimbabwe's history from pre-colonial times through independence, and a museum dedicated to African nationalism and the anti-colonial struggle. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors unidentified insurgents who fell during the liberation war. As of 2022, over 160 national heroes have been interred here, reflecting the site's ongoing role in honoring Zimbabwe's patriotic legacy. The site is both a place of remembrance and a symbol of national pride, visible from Harare due to its elevated position and distinctive architecture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during daylight hours for optimal viewing of the murals and monument details. Booking guided tours in advance can enhance understanding of the site's historical significance. Entrance may offer concessions for certain groups; check official Zimbabwe tourism resources for current visitor information. The monument's elevated location provides panoramic views of Harare, making morning or late afternoon ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Interesting facts
- •The monument's design is modeled after two AK-47 rifles lying back-to-back, with the graves resembling their magazines.
- •The Eternal Flame atop the 40-meter tower was lit during the 1982 independence celebrations and symbolizes the enduring spirit of Zimbabwean independence.
- •The site was designed with assistance from North Korean architects and artists, mirroring a similar cemetery near Pyongyang.
- •The black granite used in construction was quarried from Mutoko, located about 140 kilometers northeast of Harare.
- •As of 2022, 161 national heroes have been interred at the site, including prominent figures from Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.
History
Construction of National Heroes Acre began in September 1981, one year after Zimbabwe gained independence.
The site was developed through a collaboration of Zimbabwean and North Korean architects and artists, with local laborers quarrying black granite from Mutoko for the main structures.
Completed in 1982, the monument was designed to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the Rhodesian Bush War and to symbolize the spirit of Zimbabwean independence.
Over the decades, the site has expanded its role as the final resting place for national heroes, reflecting evolving political and social narratives in Zimbabwe.
Place Guide
The Monument Structure1982
An iconic sculpture modeled after two AK-47 rifles placed back-to-back, symbolizing the armed struggle for Zimbabwe's independence. The graves are designed to resemble the rifles' magazines, creating a powerful visual narrative of sacrifice and patriotism.
The Eternal Flame Tower1982
A 40-meter tall tower topped with the Eternal Flame, lit at the 1982 independence celebrations. It represents the enduring spirit and resilience of Zimbabwean independence and is the highest point at the site, visible from Harare.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A bronze statue depicting three guerrillas-one female and two males-honoring unidentified insurgents who lost their lives during the liberation war. The tomb includes a flagpole and ornate decorations symbolizing sacrifice.
Wall Murals
Two large murals flank the monument, illustrating Zimbabwe's history from pre-colonial times through the Chimurenga and Rhodesian Bush War to independence under Robert Mugabe. These murals provide a visual historical narrative of the nation's struggle and triumph.
Heroes' Acre Museum
Located near the entrance, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and documents related to African nationalism and the anti-colonial struggle in Zimbabwe. It offers insight into the liberation war and the country's journey to independence.
