Discover Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a hub of economic, social and political activity and home to prominent offices as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Museums

Addis Ababa Museum

The Museum was once the residence of Ras (Count) Birru, the Defense Minister of Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913). The Addis Ababa Museum accommodates cultural items that reflect the growth and development of the city then. Photographs that depict the progress of the city and weapons used during the battle of Adowa are on display.

Zoma Museum


Zoma Museum aims to share multidisciplinary and innovative contemporary art and architecture from around the world. It is focused on researching and learning  from ancient knowledge of art production, architecture and landscaping and bringing it to the present.

Entoto Museum

This Museum accommodates the ceremonial attires of Menelik II and his consort Empress Taitu (1889-1913). The Emperor’s crown and Persian carpets are among the displayed items. The drum that announced the march to Adowa battlefield against the Italian invaders is also among the collections of the Museum.

National Museum of Ethiopia

The Museum is a good place for visiting the long age history of Ethiopia. It houses the oldest human ancestor, Dinkinesh, or Lucy, the Australopithecine discovered in the 1970s.

Ethnological Museum

The Museum is located at the Addis Ababa University, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie (1930-1974). It comprises some personal gifts presented to the Emperor. You can admire the different nationalities cultural materials and the traditions of the diverse nations and nationalities of Ethiopia.

St. George Cathedral & Museum

The Museum displays costumes of spiritual leaders and emperors, crosses in different styles, religious books written on parchments and several other cultural valuables attached to Emperor Menelik II (1889-1913) and to the victory of the battle of Adowa.

Churches and cathedrals

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Cathedral, Kidist Selassie in Amharic, is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa. The church was built to commemorate Ethiopia’s liberation from Italian occupation (1935-1941).

St. George's Cathedral

St George’s Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral, which was built with a distinctive octagonal shape on the ruins of an older church from the 15th century. The church was named after St. George, after itsTabot (Ark) was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians during which time the Ethiopians secured victory.

Natures and Parks

Unity Park

Unity Park is established in 2019. The Park is located at the Grand Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a compound that has been a seat of state for more than a century. The Unity Park contains historical buildings and plants that date back to the time of Emperor Menelik II. Pay a visit to learn about modern history of Ethiopia.

Lion Zoo

The Lion zoo in Addis Ababa is in 5 kilo area. There are lions in cages, geleda baboons, antelopes, ducks, turtle and different types of apes at this zoo.

Entoto hill

Mount Entoto is the highest peak overlooking the city of Addis Ababa. It reaches 3,200 meters above sea level. The mountain is a historical place where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace, when he came from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. It has many monasteries and churches.

Gullele botanical garden

The 705 hectares garden features collections of plants in a setting with streams, original vegetation, and topographic variations. A collection of 700 plant species are available, among which 71 plant species are medicinal and 28 are endemic to Ethiopia.

Events and festivals

The Ethiopian New Year

(Enkutatash) is celebrated on September 11, (or during a leap year, 12 September) with dancing, singing and the exchange of good wishes. The daisies shoot forth bringing attractive sceneries.

Finding of the True Cross (Meskal)

The Finding of the True Cross (Meskal) is celebrated on September 27. The holiday commemorates Empress Helen’s 326 AD discovery of the Cross upon which Jesus was crucified, as well as the physical presence of the True Cross at the Church of Egziabeher Ab. As Meskal daisies come into bloom, the holiday is celebrated with feasting and bonfires.

Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)

The Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) falls on January 7.Genna is celebrated by a church service that lasts into the night. People go to church and young men play a Genna game.

Epiphany (Timket) feast

Epiphany (Timket) feast is celebrated two weeks after Christmas. Timket is one of the greatest festivals in the country.