Addis Ababa & Surrounding
Addis Ababa & Surrounding
Addis Ababa is the country's commercial, manufacturing, and cultural center. It is the focus of a highway network, the site of an international airport, and the terminus of a railroad to the Gulf of Aden port of Djibouti. In the city there are printing industries, and manufactures include footwear, clothing, asbestos and metal products, processed foods, cement, and plywood. Flourishing handicraft industries produce leather, metal, and textile goods, which are traded along with the regional agricultural produce, such as coffee, tobacco, and dairy items, in the vast open-air market known as the Merkato, on the W side of the city. Addis Ababa, the Capital of modern Ethiopia, and gateway for most tourists, is the political and commercial heart of the Country. Now a city of 4 million people, it was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887.The National Museum This famous museum, close to the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School, houses numerous antiquarian relics and archaeological artifacts showing the history of Ethiopia from prehistoric times to the modern day. Its most famous exhibit is the 3.5 million year old skeleton of Lucy Mount Entoto Addis Ababa is built in the foothills of Mount Entoto, and the panorama from the peak (3,200m3, either by day or night, is a breathtaking spectacle. The Church of St Mary (1885) overlooks the entire city and the surrounding area. The Entoto Museum, with its historical exhibits is well worth a visit 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. Trinity Cathedral Trinity Cathedral was constructed by Emperor Haileselassie in 1947 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The architecture of the cathedral is very unique to both Ethiopia and Africa. It is ornamented with carvings and mosaic and other artistic works such as paintings of saints and the apostles on the stained glass. Within the compound and gardens of the church are found the crypts of the Imperial family. Africa Hall
The Africa hall, which is situated opposite to the Grand palace, is the seat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It was built in 1961 by Ethiopian government as a monument to African Unity. In the lobby there is a stained glass window by Ethiopia's most well known artist, Miter Artist, World Laureate Afework Tekle, depicting the Africans of yesterday, today and tomorrow in their struggle for freedom and progress. The Markato The grand market (Markato) is a place where a commercial activity of the capital city takes place. It is one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. The normal market days are Wednesday and Saturday. It is true that anything you might want can be found here, only if you know where to look. Markato is not only Addis Ababa's commercial center, but also the dynamo of the country's business and industry. Here bargaining is a way of life. DebreZeit DebreZeit, which is found 50 kms, south east of Addis Ababa is an attractive town surrounded by lovely crater lakes. The lakes within a radius of 5 kilometers are Hora, Babogaya, Kurriftu and Bishoftu. It is also an ideal place for bird watching and boat riding. Nazreith Nazreith, situated some 100kms south east of Addis Ababa, is simply a pleasant big town and an example of one of the country's fastest growing commercial centers. The town lies on a warm valley adorned with bougainvillea flame and palm trees. Sodere Sodere is situated 126 kms southeast of Addis Ababa. It is a very popular resort area with a new hotel complex. Numerous birds, and monkeys, can be seen. The hot spring Olympic size swimming pool and physiotherapy centers are frequented visited by visitors of all ages. Ambo and Wonchi
Debre Libanos
Mountain Ziqualla Mountain Ziqualla is an extinct volcano rising to 600 meters above sea level with a large crater and a monastery at its summit. It is on the right turn before entering DebreZeit town. It is 85 kms away from the capital. The view from the top includes many small hills and chains of mountains. The Crater Lake surrounded by Juniper trees and thick bushes with Columbus monkeys adds to its beauty.
Tags addis ababa - entoto - national museum - jubilee palace - debrezeit - ziqualla - nazreith - sodere - ambo - wonchi - debre libanos - merkato - Africa hall
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Ambo is situated 125 kms west of Addis Ababa. It can be reached only after two and half hours drive. The magnificent landscapes, the volcanic Hot springs, surrounded by shady trees are enjoyable. Ambo yields the most popular mineral water in the country. Its hot springs have been turned in to modern spas. After half an hour drive (32kms) south of Ambo on the left side to Wolisso, Lake Wonchi could be reached. The lake lies in unique and irregular shaped basin surrounded by chain of circular height covered by greenish Alpine vegetation. There is a small monastery church called Saint Kirkos on the island.
After 103 km to the north of Addis Ababa there is a side road, which leads to the ancient monastery of Debre Libanos. The monastery was established by a 13th century Ethiopian saint called Abune Tekelehaimanot. There stands an imposing beautiful church with magnificent murals. Near by a 16th Century Bridge, which was said to be built by a Portuguese engineer, is spotted.