The Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1953. The monument, located at the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk boulevards in the city center, also serves as a memorial to those killed in the civil war and, accordingly, is sometimes also called the Victory Monument.
The monument looks especially impressive at night, when it is consecrated in red and blue and white spotlights that represent the colors of the Cambodian national flag. The fountains surrounding the monument make it an excellent photo subject.