City Tours of Addis Ababa
Museums and churches
ADDIS ABABA MUSEUM
Addis Ababa Museum which was established in 1986 is located on the road to the Bole International Airport on the southern side of Meskel Square. Its establishment was related to the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the foundation of Addis Ababa as a capital city. The main focus of the museum is to depict the Historical, Political, Economical and Social progress of the capital city.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA
It was established in 1944, and began its service by exhibiting archaeological collections as well as some ceremonial customs and other ethnographic objects. Here visitors could take an imaginary journey of million years back in to the distant past when they visit their ancestors; “Lucy” or “Dinknesh” which means “wonderful”, is one of the earliest and most complete hominoids discovered through archeological excavation, dates back to 3.5 million years and other fossils and ancient stone tools are some of important collections facilitating the study of human origin.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
This museum was established in 1963 with the aim to collect documents, analyze, disseminate and exhibit research findings about Languages, Culture and History of the Ethiopia. It has a complete collection that describes almost all tribal groups in Ethiopia. So here you will have an overview about the history, culture and tradition of Ethiopian people. It is also located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
ENTOTO MUSEUM
The panorama from Entoto Mountain, 3,200 meter above sea level either by day or by night is breathtaking spectacle. The Church of Saint Mary built by Emperor Menelik II /the founder of Addis Ababa/ in 1887 is situated at the top of the Entoto Peak.
The Entoto Museum, exhibiting articles of historical significance is well worth a visit. The drum that announced the march to Adwa war against the Italian invasion Menelik’s Bed, Ceremonial Dresses of the King and Queen, gifts from abroad are some of the displays in the Museum. Moreover, a visit of the Menelik’s old palace, just next to the museum adds to an experience the visitor will always cherish.
SAINT GEORGE CATHEDRAL AND MUSEUM
Emperor Menelik II has built one of the fines Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Octagonal shape in 1896 in the commemoration of the victory of Adwa, the battle against the Italian invaders. This architecturally beautiful domed church has full of paintings and mosaics drawn by the modern Ethiopian artist, World Laureate Maitre Artist Afework Tekle. The museum in the compound of the church is a well-designed small museum but filled by old Crowns, Ecclesiastical and Cultural heritage.
TRINITY CHURCH
The architecturally magnificent Trinity Church is the best Cathedral Church in Addis Ababa. Here visitors can also visit the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie I and his wife Empress Mennen.
MENELIK MAUSOLEUM
Also, called Be’ata Mausoleum, lies to the east of Menelik’s oldest palace. Queen Zewditu, Emperor Menelik’s II daughter order for its construction in 1911. It houses the bodies of Menelik II, Empress Taitu (Menelik’s II wife) Empress Zewditu, the archbishop who crowned Menelik and princess Tsehai daughter of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
MERKATO
The largest open-air market in Africa, covering an area of 113.6 hectares out of which 37% is under commercial use. It is a trade; retail center of the country were traditional and modern activities coexist. This market place has a population of about 54,000 and has a density of about 475 people per hectare and you can purchase anything you desire here.
STATUES, MONUMENTS AND SQUARES
MESKEL SQUARE
This is the place where, every September 26, (Meskel) the findings of the true cross is celebrating with much color and excitement among the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
THE LION OF JUDAH MONUMENT
There are two monuments carved from black stone, one stands near the National Theater; and the other carved from bronze is found near the Railway Station. This one is during the Italian occupation in the 1930’s it was taken to Rome and brought back to Ethiopia.
SAINT PETER’S MONUMENT
Who were the Ethiopian patriarch and the one who refused to accept the Italian Invasion and assassinated while his arms chained.
MENELIK II MONUMENT
It stands at Menelik II square near Saint George Cathedral, was erected by his daughter Queen Zewditu in remembrance of the battle of Adwa in 1896.
MARTYR’S MONUMENT
This monument was built to commemorate the Italian atrocity of February 19, 1937, when they massacred over 30 thousand people in a single day.
FREEDOM MONUMENT
It stands on the intersection of Adwa Queen Elizabeth and development through cooperation Avenue at Arat Kilo. It stands to commemorate the day the Ethiopians re occupied Addis Ababa after the Italian Invasion of the 1935.
TIGLACHEN’ MONUMANT
It is found near Ethiopian Postal Agency head office. It was erected to remember the victory of the Ethiopians over the invading force of the Somali Republic in 1977/8 war.