The capital of Ethiopia and an official capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is an important representation of Ethiopia on the African continent. It is host to continental and international organizations’ premises, such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Conference Hall.
The modern city, Addis Ababa- was founded in 1886 at the site of a hot springs by Emperor Menelik II wife and named Addis Ababa, Meaning “new flower.” It is centrally located within heart of Ethiopia. The city is situated at 40 longitudes and at 180 latitudes. Its altitude varies from 3200 m.a.s.l at the top of Mount Entoto to 2200 meters at the foot of the city.
Addis Ababa has many things to offer for a visitor from the National museum, Ethnological museum, Postal museum. Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and treasure-packed Orthodox.
MOUNT ENTOTO AND THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY MUSEUM:
Entoto once it was a capital of Ethiopia sooner than the foundation of Addis Ababa, It is the highest part of the present Addis Ababa which is 3200 m.a.s.l. and is a water shed the two longest river in Ethiopia the Blue Nile and the Awash river. On the top of this Mountain there one historical the church, built by Emperor Menelik II in 1882. There is a small museum in the courtyard of the church which has the collection of some royal antiquities. There is also an old palace of Menelik’s the II on the back side of the church. Mount Entoto is the best place to have a panoramic view of the modern city of Addis Ababa.
The National Museum:
The National Museum put on view of fascinating items like the oldest hominid skeleton “Lucy” or “Dinkinesh” in Amharic that means “you are wonderful”; which was discovered in 1974 on the bank of Awash river near in Afar Region at a place called Hadar. Lucy is the most complete hominid fossil ever discovered. The Museum also has different displays of, historical antiques, traditional and ceremonial costumes, jewelry paintings, sculptures and other archeological findings.
Ethnographic Museum:
This museum is founded on the premises of Addis Ababa University in the old Palace of Haile selassie I, this museum hosts the cultural aspect of Ethiopia and the Museum displayed more than eighty ethnic groups of the cultural and traditional treasures. The museum was founded in the palace of the late Emperor Haile selassie I and second floors and comprising of the bedroom of the late Emperor Haile selassie I which is still open for visitors with its original treasures.
Beata Mariam church (Menelik The II Mausoleum)
This church is Located next to the grand palace of Menelik the II, the church was constructed by the daughter of Menelik the II; Empress Zewditu as mausoleum in 1911. The remains of the King, his wife Empress Taitu and his daughter Empress Zewditu are in the underground of the church.
TRINITY CATHEDRAL
Trinity Cathedral was constructed by Emperor Haile selassie I in 1947 after the battle in 1941 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The architecture of the cathedral is very unique which is similar to the Greek architecture. It is decorated with carvings and mosaic paints and other artistic works such as paintings of saints and the apostles on the stained glass. Inside the church there are interesting history of the Bible history the left side of the window ornamented with the most significant old testament history and on the right side of the church is ornamented with the New testament history, and the church is decorates with some secular pictures like the Emperor Haile selassie I, speech to the leg of Nation.
Africa Hall (United Nations Conference Hall)
In the premises of the Economic commission for Africa there is a most decorated reception hall which is known as 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 reception hall there is a stained glass window by which is depicted by an 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)
The open air Market of Addis Ababa is one of the biggest open air market in East Africa, this grand market inherits its name from the Italian Language “Markato” meaning Market, it is a place where a commercial activity of Addis Ababa and the people from country side the country takes place. It is one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa. The normal market days are Wednesday and Saturday, but there ever shop is open except Sunday. It is expected that more than fifty thousand people make a daily transaction. Here bargaining mandatory for the better transaction.