Addis Ababa, Federal capital in Ethiopia.
Description
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest settlement of Ethiopia, organized into ten subcities at an elevation of around 2355 meters (7726 feet). The urban landscape ranges from tall office towers and wide boulevards to residential districts with low houses and narrow unpaved lanes.
History
Emperor Menelik II founded the settlement in 1886 as a replacement for his earlier residence on Mount Entoto, drawn by the presence of thermal springs. Within a few decades, it became the permanent seat of government and grew into a diplomatic center for Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union.
Culture
On Sundays, worshippers dressed in white garments fill the many Orthodox churches, while priests walk through the streets carrying colorful ceremonial umbrellas. In neighborhoods across the capital, neighbors gather for traditional coffee ceremonies, roasting green beans over charcoal and brewing them in a clay pot through a ritual that can last an hour.
Practical
The two-line light rail system links major districts and runs frequently during the day, while Bole International Airport in the southeast serves as a hub for travelers from around the world. Because of the high elevation, the sun can feel strong, so it helps to carry sunscreen and drinking water when walking around the capital for longer periods.
Did you know?
The Mercato neighborhood hosts one of the largest open markets in Africa, where traders sell everything from traditional spices to modern electronic devices. A few kilometers away, the National Museum displays the remains of the hominid Lucy, dating back several million years.
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Photo license: GFDL
Holy Trinity Cathedral
3.3 km
Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa
3 km
Ethiopia Museum of Art and Science
2.9 km
National Museum of Ethiopia
3 km
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters
2.3 km
Addis Mercato
397 m
Monument to the Lion of Judah
2.5 km
Addis Ababa Zoo
3.2 km
St. George's Cathedral
1.9 km
"Red Terror" Martyrs' Memorial Museum
3.4 km
Tiglachin Monument
1.8 km
Guenete Leul Palace
3.2 km
Yekatit 12 monument
3.2 km
Hager Fikir Theatre
2.3 km
National Archives and Library of Ethiopia
1.8 km
Medhane Alem Cathedral
6.8 km
Africa Hall
3.5 km
Taitu Hotel
1.9 km
Meyazia 27 monument
3 km
Ethnological Museum of Addis Ababa
3.1 km
Ethiopian Parliament Building
2.8 km
Entoto Mariam church
7.5 km
Africa Park
3.1 km
Unity Park
3 km
Zoma Contemporary Art Center
5.5 kmEmbassy of Germany, Addis Ababa
4.9 km
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1.4 kmLion of Judah Monument (Maurice Calka)
2.1 km
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