Addis Ababa

In 1886, Menilik II came down from the chilly heights of Entoto where he had thought to establish his capital, to join his wife, Taitu, who had already sampled the advantages of the natural hot springs (Filwoha) at the foot of the mountain. By the beginning of the century the new city was well established with several large buildings and growing population.

Today, Addis Ababa is a city of contrasts, of modern offices and apartment blocks, broad avenues, fine hotels and restaurants. Between and around them are the modest dwellings of the less well to do, where cattle & goats and their way through narrow street. Addis Ababa enjoys an ideal climate with brilliant African sunshine and the clean cool air of an altitude 2200-2600 meters. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons that Addis Ababa is selected as the diplomatic capital and international conference, center of Africa.
Here also are Head quarters of AU and UNECA. Now a city of about 5 million inhabitants, Addis Ababa is the hub of the country. Addis Ababa is located almost exactly at the center of the country; it is connected by major high ways with the surrounding regions.

ATTRACTIONS IN ADDIS ABABA

There is much to do and much to see in and around Addis Ababa. The following are some from the major attractions.

THE NATIONAL MUSIUM
Located between Arat Killo, and Sidist Killo, it comprises of many archaeological and historical findings including the old skeleton of Lucy, the famous complete hominid fossil remain locally known as ‘Dinknesh’: the crowns of Emperors, jewelry and costumes of the country. Visiting this museum is having a good summary for your visit to the historic Ethiopia.

ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The institute of Ethiopian studies was established in 1963 with three major components a research & publication unit, library and museum. The aim of the institute is to collect document, analyse & disseminate knowledge about languages, cultures & history of Ethiopia.Ethiopia is cradle of man kind of cross road of culture & civilization. Ethiopia is also known as "a museum of nationalities". The museum, therefore, is shouldering a great responsibility of capturing the heritage of the past & the present. The main focus of the museum is on traditional art and cultural materials of nationalities. Fortunately enough, the museum is found in the old palace (Genete Leul means paradise of prince) of the late Emperor Haile Selassie for this the bed room that is situated on the 1st floor reminds us once the building was a palace. The reception hall now hosts ethnographic items of more than eighty ethnic groups. It is divided into two parts. The 1st part is an introductory part introducing the general picture of socio-economic conditions of the country. It displays tools of production and some techniques of craftsmen. The 2nd part is an attempt to provide a quick visit through Ethiopia. Here, some assorted items from each administrative region are represented. Although the space in not enough to show the beauty and intensity of the cultural materials of the country, it creates a strong urge to know more about the country.

THE TRINITY CATHEDRAL
The biggest Orthodox Church in the country built in 1941 by Emperor Haileselasse in memory of the Ethiopian patriots who fought against Italians.
It is a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture which is unique to both Ethiopia and Africa and is dedicated to the Holly Trinity. Here you will find scripts of the imperial families, statues done by a Greek sculpture, Stained glass window paintings from the Old and New Testament in the Bible and coffins of Emperor Haile Silassie-I; the founder of the church, and his wife.
In its graveyard Sylvia Pankhurst, the English Suffragette and subsequently a long-time friend and defender of Ethiopian independence, is buried among Ethiopian patriots.

ST. GEORGE CHURCH

The church of St. George, one of the main churches of the town: is a very traditionally structured building. Menelik II following his victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa built the octagonal church in 1896. St. George the dragon killer was the patron saint of soldiers and it is to him that the church is dedicated. In St. George church the most interesting thing is the artwork of both modern and traditional church painting. On its inner walls are some modern mosaics by the Ethiopian famous Artist Laureate Meter Afework Tekle.

In the church premise, there is a bell tower & in it there is a permanent exhibition. It was established on 29th of April 1990. The exhibits in the museum are varied. They include costumes of spiritual leaders & sacred rulers, crosses of different kinds, religious books and various works of arts & handicrafts. They throw light on the ancient history particularly on cultural trains of the country.

THE MENELIK MAUSOLEUM

Built in 1911, in the old Baata church, it serves as a tomb for emperors, princes and martyrs of freedom. Built to house the tomb of Emperor Menelik II it also includes the graves of members of his family and the Emperor Haile Selassie.

THE JUBILEE PALACE
On Menelik II Avenue, this modern palace was completed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I. The park is home to a collection of rare indigenous wildlife. Zoological Natural history Museum The only natural history museum in Ethiopia with exhibits including examples of most of our indigenous wildlife, often displayed in panoramas showing the relationship of the animals to their natural habitats.

MERCATO
The largest open market in Africa is a place where every thing is on sale. Every thing you’d ever want or need is found here. Here you will be presented with a confusing, but fascinating; glimpse of the vast range of goods and artefacts available from all parts of the country and enjoy the Ethiopian trade exchange tradition in the open air.
Walking on the crowded streets one can see and smell the spice market to browse through the cloth shops, with their embroidered Ethiopian dresses and shirts and woven shawls with intricately woven border and to bargain a large variety of old and new Ethiopian handicrafts.

ENTOTO MOUNTAIN
Entoto Mountain is a fifteen-minuet drive from the center and 3019 meters high. Emperor Menelik II had chosen Entoto for the great of the court before the foundation of Addis Ababa. Here one can see traces of earlier settlement and two fine churches St. Mary, where Emperor Menelik crowned Emperor in it and St. Raguel built in 1880’s. The top of the range is a point for the panoramic view of Addis Ababa with its surrounding forests and its breath taking air.

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