Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Addis Ababa Highlights
Delve into the treasure trove that is the astounding Ethnological Museum (
Peer back through the ages at the National Museum (
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)
, home of
Lucy, one of our oldest ancestors
Stare in silent contemplation at the moving 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial
Museum (
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)
Tickle your tongue with your first
injera
(flatbread) and
wat
(tripe stew) and
satisfy your rumbling tummy in Ethiopia's best restaurants (
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)
Throw back a
tej
(honey wine) or sip on a cool cocktail as you kick-start a
night on the tiles Addis style (
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)
Visit one of the most interesting religious museums in Ethiopia: St George
Cathedral & Museum (
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)
See the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie in the Holy Trinity
Cathedral (
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)
History
Unlike Addis Ababa's numerous predecessors as capitals, the locations of which were
chosen according to the political, economic and strategic demands of the days' rulers, Ad-
dis Ababa was chosen for its beauty, hot springs and agreeable climate. Why the drastic
(and pleasant) change of convention in the late 19th century? Perhaps it was because it
was the first time a woman had any say in the matter! Yes, it was the actions of Taitu, the
consort of Menelik II, which led to the birth of Addis Ababa.
Menelik's previous capital, Entoto, was in the mountains just north of present-day Ad-
dis Ababa and held strategic importance as it was easily defended. However, it was unat-
tractive and sterile, leading Taitu to request a house be built for her in the beautiful foot-
hills below, in an area she named Addis Ababa (New Flower). In the following decade,
after Menelik's power increased and his need for defence waned, he moved his court
down to Taitu and Addis Ababa.
