Addis Ababa Landmarks, Entoto Mountain and Surrounding Heritage Sites
Visit the following landmarks in Addis Ababa:
National Museum, one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in all of Africa. It is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items, and art.
Ethnographic Museum, the former palace of Haile Selassie, whose collection reflects the lifestyles of different ethnic groups of Ethiopia. In addition, it hosts Ethiopian art and traditional musical instruments.
Trinity Cathedral, famous for its stained glass paintings and grand architecture. It is where Haile Selassie's tomb is found.
St. George Church, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II after the victory over the Italian colonizer. The museum inside houses spiritual items and royal relics.
Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Entoto Mountain, 9,843 ft high and where the city was first founded. The panoramic view from the peak is spectacular.
After a 90 km drive on a very good new asphalt road from the capital Addis Ababa, and only 500 m from the main road, Tiya stelae field consists of about 40 obelisks which stand between one and two meters high. Recent excavations revealed that the stones mark mass graves of both males and females who died between the ages of 18 and 30 and were laid to rest in a foetal position. Tiya is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia.
Detour to Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church, the only southerly rock church in Ethiopia, which dates back to the 12th century. Make short stops to visit the Oromo and Gurage people villages, then drive back to Addis.
Drive from Addis Ababa to Debre-Zeit, 42 km south of Addis Ababa, and turn right to drive up the hills and climb the Mountain of Ziquala at 3000 m. This elevation made it a watchtower of the central Rift Valley region, with a cool climate at the top.
See the Monastery of "Zikuala Abo" at the top of the mountain. Right behind the monastery is the volcanic Crater Lake of Zikuala.
Drive back to Debre Zeit for a lunch stop and visit some of the many volcanic crater lakes around the area, then drive back to Addis Ababa.
