Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
But what breathes life into these landmarks is the community that still lives within the
city walls. Prepare to encounter the magnificent Adare (Harari) women, known for their
colourful dress, and the sweat-soaked blacksmiths near Buda Gate who still labour over
open fires.
OLD TOWN ALLEYS
Fear not: you can't get lost in the Old Town for too long. Harar's walled Old Town is so compact that no matter how
deep you get into the maze of alleyways you'll eventually come to a wall or a larger street that will lead you either
to the bustling central square, Feres Magala ('Horse Market'), or Andegna Menged ('Main St') between Feres
Magala and Harar Gate.
City Gates
There are six gates: five 16th-century originals and the car-friendly Harar Gate , also
known as Duke's Gate after Ras Makonnen, the first Duke of Harar, who added it in 1889.
The photograph on this gate is Emir Abdullahi, the last of Harar's 72 Emirs and the city's
last Muslim leader. The nearby Shoa Gate (Asmaddin Bari) and the Buda Gate (Bedri
Bari) are also attractive, though they no longer have their wooden doors. Erer Gate (Ar-
gob Bari) , the one Richard Burton entered through, and the little-used Sanga Gate
(Suqutat Bari) lie to the east. To the north is busy Fallana Gate (Assum Bari) .
GATES
Traditional Adare Houses
Visiting a traditional Adare house is a must. The best way is to stay at one of the guest-
houses ( Click here ) . Even if you aren't sleeping in one, guides usually take people to see
them as part of their standard tour; a Birr20 tip will be expected. Also, some families have
opened souvenir shops in their courtyards, but you shouldn't have to tip to visit one of
these.
If you don't have the chance to visit a lived-in house, don't worry: the Harari Cultural
Centre Offline map Google map (admission Birr16; 8am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Thu & Sat,
8-11.30am & 2-5pm Fri, 8am-noon Sun) , an old house converted into a museum, is al-
most as good as the real thing.
HOUSE
 
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