Addis Ababa
ADDIS ABABA (Africa’s new flowers)
With a population of more than three million people, Addis Ababa also known as Brussels of Africa is located in the geographical centre of the country. It is not only the capital but also the economic and social nerve centre of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887, this big, sprawling hospitable city still bears the stamp of the exuberant personality. There are more than 120 international mission and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a forefront for international diplomacy in Africa Union and the United Nations Economic commission for Africa.
Addis Ababa’s cosy espresso bars and patisseries are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean, and its bustling outdoor markets are colourful reminders of more traditional ways of life. The people, the bursts of music from cafes or shops, the pungent aromas of spicy cooking, of coffee and frankincense, form a unique Ethiopian pastiche.
Dominated by the 3000 meter (9840 foot) high Entoto Mountains immediately to the north, Ethiopia’s largest city has grown at an astonishing speed since it was founded just over a century ago. Covering 250 square Kilometres the city rambles pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast-flowing streams. Despite its proximity to the Equator, its lofty altitude –it is the third-highest capital in the world-means that it enjoys a mild, Afro-alpine climate.
From its inception Addis Ababa was clustered around two main centres: the national Palace to the east and the market, Saint George’s Church, to the west. Together they generated so much activity that the capital grew and developed rapidly.
By the late 1950s Addis Ababa was recognized as the unofficial capital of Africa, and thus was made the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in 1958 and later, in 1963, chosen as headquarters of African Union (UN). Today Addis Ababa, which bears the imprint of many of these past developments, is a major metropolis, with an estimated population of over three million.
The city stands at the very heart of Ethiopia and enjoys excellent connections with all of the country’s economic zones. Addis Ababa is Africa’s unchallenged diplomatic capital, with more than hundred and consular representatives clustered in the mountain city. SEE SOME ATTRACTION PLACE IN ADDIS:
NATIONAL MUSEUM
The national museum is the home of many archaeological and historical relics/heritages of Ethiopia. This museum houses the 3.2 million years old skeleton of women called LUCY. There are also many other historical items at the permanent exhibition.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
The Ethnographic Museum is well kept and comprehensive representation of the Socio-cultural and economic life aspects of the people of Ethiopia. The place used to be the palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie I.
MERCATO(OPEN AIR MARKET)
The Mercato (market) is an evolving city market, which has been the biggest open-air market. Mercato is relatively crowded place and visit with a knowledge-able tour guide (SADOR ETHIOPIA TOURS) is advised especially for first time visitors.
ARADA GEORGIS (St. GEORGE)
This church-based museum has got religious and social history artifacts.
ENTOTO HILLS PANORAMIC VIEW OF ADDIS ABABA
To have a panoramic view of down on to Addis Ababa, go to Entoto Hills on the northern edge of the city, where you find the historic church of Entoto Mariam(St. Mary). There is also a small museum near the church.
TRINITY CATHEDRAL
Another Noble City land Mark is the Selassie, or Trinity Church, with its large dome and many slender pinnacles, inset with statues. Inside is a hand some crystal chandelier and some remarkable stained glass windows. Several such windows are not to be found in Addis Ababa, none more striking than those by Afework Tekle(a modern Ethiopian artist), whose master piece – a bold, modernistic creation depicting Africa: Past, Present and Future adorns the foyer of the seven-storey African Hall.