Cultural sightseeing in Ethiopia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Ethiopia is a country that has so much to offer to its guests. Marvelous culture and traditions of local people, rare animals, unique landscapes, and natural landmarks – this is not a complete list of all wonders. The list of cultural landmarks is no less impressive. Capitals of ancient states were located in the territory of modern Ethiopia, and numerous architectural landmarks remind of those glorious times. In this country, tourists will find medieval monasteries, a royal palace, Harar (famous Muslim pilgrimage destination), and even a monument dedicated to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

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One of the main landmarks of Ethiopia is located outside its capital. In the northern part of the country, almost near the border with Eritrea, tourists can visit the city of Aksum. Thousands visit this magical place every year. Rows of tall, carved obelisks have become the signature landmark of this city. There is an interesting legend connected with the giant obelisks. Local people believe that these stone pillars were made not by people but by Cyclopes. It is up to tourists whether they want to believe this legend or no, but it is definitely very interesting to explore this area and take memorable photographs.

The fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi is a landmark of international level that is present in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fortress is a complex of palaces, temples, and other buildings that date back to the 17th – 18th centuries. Architecture experts will immediately notice an incredible combination of different styles. There are baroque elements, as well as Arabian, Nubian, and Indian styles. Fasil Ghebbi was the residence of local kings several centuries ago. Nowadays, this is a true magnet for tourists from all over the world. The city of Gondar, which is the location of the fortress, was the capital of Ethiopia until the 19th century, so it also has notable architectural landmarks like synagogues and churches. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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In Lalibela, there is a very interesting Christian landmark – the Church of Saint George. The church was built in the 12th century by the order of the king who wanted to make his own new Jerusalem in Ethiopia. As it is not hard to guess by the name, the temple is dedicated to Saint George who is also the country’s patron saint. This is a monolithic church in the shape of a Greek cross that is carved in a rock. It looks like the church is put into a stone 25-meter-deep pit. There are eleven churches of this type in Lalibela, and tourists need to see at least a few of them.

The capital also has much to offer to its guests. This is the Holy Trinity Cathedral famous for its skillfully made stained-glass windows, an Orthodox Christian church, and the Menelik Palace built at the end of the 19th century. Tourists may also find it interesting to visit the Fasilides’ Bath. The bath, which is actually a swimming pool, was built four centuries ago. Nowadays, the bath is filled with water on special occasions, and people can swim in it. The ritual swimming happens once a year during the Christian holiday of Timket.

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Does visiting museums sound like a good idea? In this case, it is recommended to visit the National Museum of Ethiopia that is open in the capital. This is the main museum in the country that offers a range of interesting exhibitions dedicated to rare archaeological findings and precious artworks created in the country. In this museum, visitors can also take a look at Lucy, an ancient skeleton that proves the existence of the Australopithecus species. Don’t forget to check out the permanent exhibition of ceremonial outfits of the royal family and nobles. Artifacts of the ancient world Middle Ages, traditional drawings, paintings of modern Ethiopian artists – the National Museum exhibits all these and many other precious items.

The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa is one more venue that tourists will find very interesting to visit. This is the first palace in Ethiopia built in accordance with European traditions. Two floors of the museum reveal the room of Haile Selassie, a picture gallery, and a whole floor dedicated to ethnographic objects. In this museum, visitors can see artifacts that belong to 80 languages of different nationalities. There are tools, household items, and many other interesting exhibits. A visit to this museum is like an excursion to different regions of Ethiopia.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Ethiopia

Extreme Guinness-type places in Ethiopia

Harer

From the series “The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day”

The old city Harer is situated in the western part of Ethiopia. It is known worldwide thanks to its unique historical sightseeing. Today it is the main Islamic city of the country. More than that it is one of the largest commercial centres. The historical city, located at the top of the hill, attracts tourists by its historical atmosphere. Here you can see not only saved fragments of the old strengthening structures but also adore with the view of the Amir Abdullahi City Hall.

An old Ethiopic church was also saved in the city. In many historical buildings today, we can see craftsmen workshops. Harer isn’t a typical tourist city. There aren’t any big hotels and entertainment centres. It appeals guests with its identical atmosphere. Fans of walks love to visit this city. Near the city … Read all

Dallol

From the series “The Most Extreme Settlements on the Planet”

Located in the village of Ethiopia Dallol is definitely considered one of the most extreme on the planet. That's the hottest place in the world, which you can reach only using caravan routes. The exact number of inhabitants of the settlement is unknown. The most detailed studies were carried out in this sultry area in 60s of the last century. Then researchers found out that the mean annual temperature in the region of Dallol is 34 degrees Celsius, which is the absolute maximum in the world.

There are several salt deposits in the region; salt extraction is carried out today. The first settlement in the hot desert was founded over 50 years ago, a significant part of its population was engaged in the development of the mountain mines. When the industrial potential of the mines dried up, the … Read all

All unique sightseeing Ethiopia

Cultural sightseeing in Ethiopia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Ethiopia

Extreme Guinness-type places in Ethiopia

Harer

Dallol

Famous sites of culture and history of Ethiopia in photoset

Culture and monuments in popular cities of Ethiopia

Ethiopia map of cultural and historical sites