national monument

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

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. For example in the Netherlands, Rijksmonuments (which literally means "state monuments") are listed by the society Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, which itself is sponsored by Dutch Ministry of Education and Culture.

Examples include:

• National Monument, Edinburgh
• National Monument (Indonesia)
• National Monument (Ireland)
• National Monument, Islamabad
• National Monument (Malaysia)
• National Monument (Nigeria) (Largest Palace in Africa)
• National Monuments of Singapore
• Monumento nacional (Spain)
• National Monument (United States)
• National Monument (Amsterdam)
• Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, Bangladesh
• Monuments of Portugal
• National Monuments Record, England

See also

• National heritage sites, South Africa
• National icon
• National Memorial