Addis Ababa (New Flower) it was established by Emperor Menelik II around 1887 and Addis Ababa is known as the Africa’s diplomatic capital with the headquarters for the AU ( African Union ). On this full day Addis Ababa tours you will have a chance of seeing historical monuments that are built for different purpose and commemorations
1. National Museum Of Ethiopia
The National Museum of Ethiopia (NME) which has four main exhibition sections. The basement is dedicated to archaeological & paleoanthropological sections. The first floor have objects from ancient & medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers of Ethiopia. The second floor display the art work in a chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works like the famous and legendery painter Afewerk Tekle’s massive African Heritage is one of the most notable pieces The second floor also contains a collection of secular arts and crafts, including traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing and musical instruments.
Finally, the third floor has an ethnographic display. Here, the museum tries to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the peoples of Ethiopia. This is a perfect stop while spending one day in Addis Ababa.
2. Ethnological Museum
Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa is one of the first museum in the Ethiopia which was established around the year of 1950s this musumes are situated at Addis Ababa University at Genete Leul Palace and the idea of a museum was initiated by the chief librarian of the College Stanislaw Chojnaki. Another spot that you shouldn’t miss on a walking tour in Addis Ababa.
3. Holy Trinity Cathedral
This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum). It’s also the celebrated final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife Empress Menen Asfaw. Their massive Aksumite-style granite tombs sit inside and are a sight indeed. The solemnity of the interior design contrasts sharply with highly the charged emotions of many pilgrims. It’s a fascinating place.
The cathedral’s exterior, with its large copper dome, spindly pinnacles, numerous statues and flamboyant mixture of international styles, provides an interesting and sometimes poignant glimpse into many episodes of Ethiopia’s history.
Inside, there are some grand murals, the most notable being Afewerk Tekle’s depiction of the Holy Trinity, with Matthew (man), Mark (lion), Luke (cow) and John (dove) peering through the clouds. There are also some brilliant stained-glass windows (those on the north depict scenes from the Old Testament, those to the south from the New) and two beautifully carved imperial thrones, each made of white ebony, ivory and marble.
The entrance fee also includes admission to a small but impressive museum of ecclesiastical artefacts in the grounds out the back.
To the south of the cathedral is the memorial and graves of the ministers killed by the Derg for their opposition in 1974. Due to the prime minister’s compound being behind this memorial, photographs are strictly forbidden.
The churchyard also hosts the graves of many patriots who died fighting the Italian occupation, including the great Resistance fighter Ras Imru. To the west of the cathedral is the tomb of the famous British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. Sylvia was one of the very few people outside Ethiopia who protested Italy’s occupation; she moved to Addis Ababa in 1956. On the north side is the tomb of Meles Zenawi, prime minister of Ethiopia until his sudden death in 2012.
Purchase tickets at the administration office 20m west of the main gate. Self-appointed guides charge Birr20 to Birr30 per person.
4. Merkato
Merkato is the largest open air market in Africa which is covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities and The primary merchandise passing through the Merkato is locally-grown agricultural products — most notably coffee. Tourist can shop for Ethiopian traditional and local items in this Ethiopian market. This is a popular inclusion in any Addis Ababa day tours.
5. Mount Entoto
Mount Entoto is the highest peak around the city of Addis Ababa. It reaches 3,200 meters above sea level and is part of the Entoto mountain chain and this place is one of the historical place where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace after he came from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa and this mountain is also known as a sacred mountain and has many monasteries.
The mountain is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II, and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie’s reign. For those more adventurous this should be added into your Addis Ababa day tour.