Taitu Hotel, Heritage hotel in Piazza district, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Taitu Hotel is a two-story wooden structure in the Piazza district built using traditional Ethiopian methods with clay and grass materials. The building preserves early 20th-century construction techniques and showcases craftsmanship practices that had deep roots in the region.
Founded in 1905 by Empress Taitu Betul, wife of Emperor Menelik II, it became the first lodging facility in Ethiopia. Its opening marked a turning point in Addis Ababa's development and served as a landmark during the city's early modern period.
The building displays Ethiopian artworks, pottery, and historical photographs throughout its rooms and corridors. These collections reflect the country's artistic development and document important moments from Ethiopian life.
The hotel has staff who speak English and Italian and provides parking for visitors. It is convenient to reach when exploring the Piazza district since it sits in a central location.
The building still operates as a working hotel, mixing original early 20th-century furnishings and decor with modern conveniences like internet and phone services. This combination of old and new shows how the place has grown over time while keeping its character intact.
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