Sights and landmarks in Addis Ababa

Sights and landmarks in Addis Ababa

1. See

   "Red Terror" Martyrs Memorial Museum

   About those who lost their lives in the time of the Derg. Opened in 2010 with an excellent, modern style of display. Visited in 2019 the building was in a fairly poor state with none of the lights seemingly working. Worth a quick visit, won’t take more than 15 minutes. The memorial does not set out to be an encyclopaedic collection but to be a simple and powerful reminder.

   Daily 08:00–18:30·Donation

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   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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   Africa Hall

   This is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union. Security is tight and you won't be admitted unless you have an appointment.

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   Anwar Mosque

   It's quite impressive, with its arcades and several minarets. Has been repainted at least twice in the 2010s and early 2020s.

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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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   Ethiopian National Library

   The national library and archives of the country was opened by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1944, who also donated the first books.

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   Ethiopian Railway Museum

   In the old French-built railway station of the city. There is no formal office within, but you can see 1930s carriages and locomotives on display outside. There is also a restaurant and a cafe. Much of the area around the station are under construction for a new high-rise residential district.

8. See

   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)

9. See

   Gola Saint Michael Church

   Very interesting place and one of the many old churches in Addis Ababa. One can see old paintings by many Ethiopian celebrity artists. Has a museum displaying church articles given by many famous people of the country including the emperor Haile Selassie and his Empress.

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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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    Lion of Judah of Haile Selassie

    A carved statue commemorating the silver jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1955.

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    Lion of Judah of Menelik

    Commemorates Emperor Menelik. It was erected in 1930 and looted by the Italians a few years later. It remained in Rome for 30 years before being returned in the 1960s.

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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 Museum of Ethiopia

    A poorly displayed but interesting museum. The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artefacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. A wide variety of artefacts are featured, from sculptures to clothing to artwork. Both traditional and modern art are featured. Much of the museum is undergoing renovation and closed.

    08:30–17:00

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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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    Shengo Hall

    Built by the Derg regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam as its parliament hall, as of 2024 the known as the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The Shengo Hall was the world's largest pre-fabricated building, which was constructed in Finland before being assembled in Addis Ababa. It is used for large meetings and conventions.

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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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    Tiglachin ("Our Struggle") monument

    Sometimes erroneously called Derg Monument, which Ethiopians find offensive because it is not a monument to honour the Derg regime. This massive statue monument was built in the 1980s. The sides have a tribute to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who died in the 1977-1978 war against Somalia. If you want to take pictures, there is a guy asking for a small fee.

21. See

    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

22. See Not mapped

    Parliament Building

    Built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, with its clock tower, it continues as the seat of Parliament. Photography is prohibited.

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