Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia, and with a population of up to three million people, it can also boast of being the largest city in Ethiopia. The city, which also has the status of a state, is located on a well-watered plateau that is surrounded by hills and mountains, geographically situated in the centre of the country.
In addition to Addis Ababa being the seat of Ethiopia’s federal government, it is also the economic and commercial hub of the country, with it housing the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Its skyline is filled with tall buildings which gives a beautiful view. Its very lively nightlife will also amaze you, however, that is not the most, the ancient city has to offer.
The tourism industry in Addis Ababa is growing at an unprecedented rate. Lots of tourists are coming into the city from different parts of the world in a bid to catch a glimpse of the wonders of nature therein. Due to this, the European Council on Tourism and Trade, in 2015, named Ethiopia the number one tourist destination in the world.
Tourists that have visited Addis Ababa since the turn of the millennium, will surely attest to this. Nevertheless, here are some photos of Addis Ababa that portrays it as the most beautiful city.
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa University (AAU), which was established in 1950 as the University College of Addis Ababa (UCAA), is the oldest and the largest higher learning and research institution in Ethiopia.
Before getting its name as AAU in 1975, the University was named Haile Selassie I University in 1962 after the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I.
The university is a notable tourist attraction, not because it is the oldest, but because it is set on the former palace of Haile Selassie 1. Tourists visit the University to explore Ethiopian history as well as have a glimpse into the royal life of the former ruler, who is described as God’s Incarnate to the Rastafari Movement.
Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa
The Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa is a huge tourist attraction not just because it is a world-renowned hotel chain, but because of its location as well as it being a sanctuary of Ethiopian grandeur, where a landscape of vibrant greens and colourful wildflowers meets the African sky.
It is situated in the centre of the city near the National Museum, United Nations Conference Centre, the UNECA headquarters, the Merkato and Bole International Airport.
Medhane Alem Cathedral
The Medhane Alem Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral, located in Bole Medhanealem, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Its name, Medhane Alem, translates to “Saviour of the World”. It is the second largest cathedral in the whole of Africa and the largest in Ethiopia.
The cathedral is a huge tourist attraction because it offers a fascinating site, with its very beautiful and splendid domes as well as its white and yellow church building. It is also a good place for tourists to observe the life of local people in Addis Ababa as Ethiopians are very religious and mainly a Christian nation.
Meskel Square
The Meskel Square is a square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a site for public gatherings, demonstrations, exhibitions, expos, and festivals, notably, the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name.
It is usually where tourists go to experience how Ethiopians love their sports; from athletics to football. It also gives a tourist a good experience of the city from the busy streets across the road to the pop-up markets in and around the square.
St. George’s Cathedral
Saint George’s Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The cathedral is one of the city’s most beautiful churches and is noted for its distinctive octagonal form.
The cathedral’s grey stone exterior and the flashes of colour and art in the interior is worth a site for tourists. Sections of its ceiling also glow sky-blue and boast gilded stars, while the outer walls of the innermost shrine covered in paintings and mosaics by Afewerk Tekle, one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated artists. The cathedral’s museum features more works of the artist as well as an Imperial throne.
Another notable thing about St George’s Cathedral is that it is a pilgrimage site for Rastafarians. This is because Emperor Haile Selassie was crowned there in 1930.
See Also: Ethiopian flag
Yekatit 12 Square
The Yekatit 12 Square is a monument in Addis Ababa that commemorates victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to kill the Italian Viceroy, Rodolfo Graziani, on 19 February 1937.
The monument is also called the Monument of Martyrs or Sidist Kilo (“Six Kilometer”), that is, the name of the quarter where the monument is located.
Ethiopians celebrate this day every year.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Ethiopia’s international airport.
Arat Kilo Monument
Arat Kilo, otherwise known as the Meyazia 27 Square, is a square in Addis Ababa. In its centre is the eponymous monument, which commemorates Ethiopia’s liberation from Fascist Italy.
Dembel City Center
Dembel City Center, located in the centre of the city, less than 3 miles from Bole International Airport, is a shopping centre in Addis Ababa. It is where one of the first Western-styled shopping malls was first opened in Ethiopia.
Other Amazing Photos That Make Addis Ababa The Most Beautiful City
Simply amazing! Isn’t it?
