Historic places in Addis Ababa

Historic places in Addis Ababa

1. See

   Addis Ababa Museum

   Focuses on artefacts and exhibits from Addis Ababa. The building was once a palace where Ras Biru Habte-Gabriel, a former Minister of War, resided.

   Tue–Fri 08:30–12:30, 13:30–17:30; Sat 08:30–11:30

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   Bata Maryam Church

   Also known as the Menelik mausoleum, is located just south of the Menelik palace.

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   Ethnological Museum

   Also known as the Museum and Library of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, this is a fascinating museum with exhibits about the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups found in Ethiopia with information about each of their lifestyles. Ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artefacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city. It is housed in the former palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie, and you can visit his bedroom. The museum is on the university campus.

   Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; Sat Sun 09:00–17:00·250 birr for adults, 150 birr for students (for foreigners)

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   Holy Trinity Cathedral

   It was built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italians, and many victims killed by the Italians during occupation are buried here. The locals call the church Haile Selassie Church because Emperor Haile Selassie's body was moved here in 2000. Surrounding the cathedral is a cemetery with notable Ethiopians, including Patriarchs, Prime Ministers, athletes, musicians, and football commentators! The suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst is buried in the churchyard. There is a small museum in the site and a number of smaller churches. As with all churches in Ethiopia shoes must be left outside.

   08:00–13:00, 14:00–18:00; museum: 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00

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   Medhane Alem Cathedral

   This cathedral, whose name means "Saviour of the World", is the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and the second largest in Africa. Built in 1890, it has a relatively plain exterior but a wonderfully colourful interior, particularly inside the dome.

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   National Palace

   Palace Museum

   Built as the Jubilee Palace to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee in 1955, it was the residence of the President of Ethiopia until, following an extensive renovation, it was opened to the public as the Palace Museum. The palace basement showcases various collections related to Haile Selassie and subsequent Ethiopian heads of state, including diplomatic gifts and the imperial coronation throne. A separate building houses Haile Selassie's car collection, which is the first stop for visitors as they enter the grounds. Photography (no flash) for personal use is now allowed except for the two rooms by the palace entrance, which are still used for state functions.

   Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00, last entry at 16:00·For non-Ethiopians US$10 for entry to the grounds only, US$25 for entry to the grounds and the palace with a guided tour. Payment in both US dollars and birr are accepted, with the daily exchange rate applied. Credit card payments are done in US dollars

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   Roman Catholic Cathedral of Nativity

   Brick church with a square tower. Masses in Amharic and Ge'ez.

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   St George's Cathedral

   Built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. The cathedral is an octagonal building. As you walk around it, you will notice people praying beside the walls, but it is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Cathedral can only be visited with a guide. The interior is nicely decorated with huge paintings and mosaics. The near museum has an interesting and well displayed collection including ceremonial clothes and ancient manuscripts. No photography is allowed in the museum, but you can take photos inside the cathedral without flash

   Museum: 09:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00·200 birr for museum, another 200 birr or more for a guide for museum and cathedral entry

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   The Zoological Natural History Museum

   Founded in 1955, the museum reportedly displays about 1100 species of African animals.

   Tue–Sun 09:00–11:45, 13:30–16:30

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    Unity Park

    Opened in October 2019 this is one of the must see sights in Addis Ababa. The expansive site is home to the Palace of Emperor Menelik II, including his Throne Room and Banquet Hall, along with a zoo, exhibitions, sculptures, and wonderful beds of flowers. It is probably the best presented site in Ethiopia, the pet project of the Prime Minister, whose office is also on the site. Allow 2-3 hours to visit. Security is extremely strict, with no food or water allowed to be brought in (but can be bought inside) and cameras and power banks have to be left in a cloakroom, but mobile phones are fine. You will need to show your passport to enter.

    09:00–16:00 daily, last entry at 15:00·For non-Ethiopians US$20 for normal entry, or US$70 for VIP entry with a guide allowing access into the Palace on a three-hour tour. Payment in both US dollars and birr are accepted, with the daily exchange rate applied. Credit card payments are done in US dollars

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Addis Ababa (CC BY-SA 4.0).