Addis Ababa: The Capital Ethiopia and Africa Call Their Own

Coordinates: 9°1′48″N 38°44′24″E

The capital Ethiopia, and Africa alike, are proud to call theirs is located in the middle of the country. The city has an area of 527 km² and a population of about 3.5 million. Ever since its establishment, it has been the source of great pride and many achievements.

Montage of Ethiopia's Capital, Addis Ababa

Below are a few facts and places where one can find out more about the city and the country in general - museums.

Fun facts about Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia

-          The Ethiopian capital city was founded in 1886. Empress Taytu chose the site and her husband founded the city.

-          The name of the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, means "New flower" in Amharic - the Ethiopian national language.

-          Lying at an altitude of 2355 meters, it is the highest capital city in Africa and the fifth highest one in the world.

-          The Ethiopia capital has its lowest point in the Bole International Airport area and its highest is the top of the Entoto Mountains.

-          Addis Ababa is home to the largest open air market in Africa - The Merkato.

-          The city is also home to mankind's earliest relatives Lucy and Selam (both Australopithecus afarensis).

-          The capital Ethiopia, and Africa as a whole, call their own is home to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) among many other international organizations and institutions.

-          The Ethiopian capital is famous for its fair weather. As a matter of fact, Addis Ababa was voted to be the city with the best and most stable weather in the world.

Where to Find Out More:

Museums:

·         NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHIOPIA

The National Museum of Ethiopia which is located in Arada Kifle Ketema, adjacent to the Faculty of Technology of the Addis Ababa University and St. Mary’s church.

·         ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM of the INSTITUTE of ETHIOPIAN STUDIES, AAU

The Ethnological Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) is located within the main Sidist Kilo campus of the Addis Ababa University (AAU).

Traditional craft - Ethnological Museum

·         HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL MUSEUM

The museum is located in Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa inside the Holy Trinity Cathedral and bordering the Houses of Parliament.

Holy Trinity Cathedral - Addis Ababa

·         PATRIARCHATE MUSEUM and LIBRARY

This recently modernized museum was established in 2004 to preserve and protect the heritage of past religious leaders and preserve religious icons and items. The museum (fully known as the Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church Patriarchate Museum and Library) is located at the Patriarchate Office and close to the National Museum of Ethiopia.

·         St GEORGE’S CHURCH MUSEUM

St George Church Museum is located in Arada Kifle Ketema, Addis Ababa, inside St. George's Church's compound.

St. George Church - Addis Ababa

·         NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM

The Ethiopian National Postal Museum is located on the ground floor of the General Post Office building on Churchill Road.

·         ZOOLOGICAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (AAU)

The Zoological Natural History Museum is located within the Arat Kilo campus of the Addis Ababa University.

Church Affiliated Museums:

-          Entoto Mariam Church Museum - Entoto

-          Bata Mariam Church Museum - inside Baata Church

-          Gofa Gabriel Church Museum  - inside Gofa Gabriel Church

Specialized Museums (State & Public Run):

-          Geological Survey Museum - inside Ministry of Mines

-          Addis Ababa Museum - near Meskel Square

-          Korea Veterans Association Memorial Museum - around Sidist Kilo area-Addis Ababa

-          Ethio-Djibouti Railways Museum - inside Railway Station (La Gare)

-          Jan Meda Sports Museum  - Jan Meda/Sidist Kilo area

-          Gebre Kristos Modern Art Museum - Sidist Kilo, AAU campus

-          Berhan Ethiopia Cultural Centre & Museum

-          Red Terror Martyr's Memorial Museum - Meskel Square

Sources:

Ethio Museums

Wikipedia