Histroy Attraction
Axum:
Aksum is an archeological site that covers the remains of an influential city of ancient Ethiopia. it is the seat of an Empire which extended across the Red Sea to Arabia, traded with India and China, had its own alphabet and notational system, constructed great engineering works and dams and which was reckoned in the 4th century to be one of the four great powers of the ancient world.
.....The ruins include stelae (the largest single pieces of stone erected anywhere in the world), tombs, castles and obelisks of kings. The city was the original capital of the eponymous kingdom of Axum. The kingdom had its own written language called Ge’ez, and also developed a distinctive architecture exemplified by giant obelisks, the oldest of which (though much smaller) date from 5000–2000 BC. This kingdom was at its height under king Ezana, baptized as Abreha, in the 4th century AD (which was also when it officially embraced Christianity).
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims that the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum houses the Biblical Ark of the Covenant in which lie the Tablets of Law upon which the Ten Commandments are inscribed. This same church was the site Ethiopian emperors were crowned for centuries until the reign of Fasilides, then again beginning with Yohannes IV until the end of the empire. Axum is considered to be the holiest city in Ethiopia and is an important destination of pilgrimages. ). A visit to Axum can be extended to take in the 800 BC pre-Axumite temple at Yeha, 55 km east of Axum, and a little further, the 7thcentury monastery at DebreDamo. Women are not allowed, and the only access is by rope.
- Axum Stelae Field
Dating from around 300-500 AD, the famous Axum stelae probably predate the arrival of Christianity. Their purpose is almost certainly religious, but the details are not known for certain.
- Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant
The biblical Ark of the Covenant mysteriously disappeared from Jerusalem sometime before Christ. But Ethiopians and some western theorists know exactly where it is: enshrined in this chapel in Axum.
- New Church of St. Mary of Zion
Emperor Haile Selassie founded this new Church of St. Mary of Zion next to the old one. It was completed in 1964. Unlike the original, the new St. Mary of Zion allows entrance to women.
- Old St. Mary of Zion Church
This church is the holiest shrine in Ethiopian Christianity it is first built in the 300s AD, the present church dates from a rebuild in 1635. Neither visitors nor women are allowed inside. it housed 300 year old bible.
Lalibella:
Lalibella, The second capital of the ancient Ethiopian empire in the north (next to Axum) and graced with the most beautiful setting on the mountains of Lasta, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Days can be spent exploring the mysterious rock hewn churches carved from solid rock by one of the last kings of the Zagwe dynasty, Lalibela. Previously known as Roha, Lalibela is named after the king......
At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries King Lalibela of the Zaghwe dynasty built a series of rock hewn churches, the New Jerusalem, now rightly categorized as one of the wonders of the world. There are 11 churches within the town named after him, and outlying churches that can be visited on a second day. All are still in use today. It is estimated that the churches in Lalibela took 25 years to construct – for the Kingdom based on Roha (later renamed Lalibela) to have kept a large work force engaged in economically unproductive labor for such a long period means that it disposed of a large economic surplus and was very wealthy. The area then was clearly fertile and agriculturally productive, whereas now deforestation and other forms of ecological degradation have reduced its productivity and made it prone to drought.
Lalibela has been a center of pilgrimage since the fall of the 12th c. and became favorite tourist destination starting from the 16th century. Still it is a perfect place to discover ancient architecture & culture. The chapels in Lalibela are of three groups.
Here the antiques housed in 11 churches and chapels; namely BeteMedhaneAlem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskal, BeteDenagil, Bete Golgotha &BeteDebresina, BeteAmanuel, BeteMerkorios, Bete Aba-libanos, BeteGebrealRufael, and BeteGiorgis safe from the prying eyes and plundering hands of hostile interlopers for some 900 years are of particular interest.
- BeteMedhaneAlem /House of the Holly Savior/
- Bete Mariam /House of Marry/
- BeteMeskel / House of the cross/
- BeteDenagil /house of virgins/
- BeteGolgota&BeteDebre-sina /twin churches/
- BeteAmanuel / House of Emmanuel /
- Bete-Merkorios /House of Merkorios/
- Bete Aba Libanos /House of father Libanos/
- Bete Gabriel- Rufael /house of St. Gabreal-Rufael/
- BeteGiorgis /House of St. George/
- YemrehaneKristos
- Asheten Maryam
- Na’AkutoLa’Ab
- Genete Mariam
Gondar:
Gondar, medieval royal city, distinguished by its castles and imperial compound and by its churches, particularly DebreBerhan Selassie, the walls and ceiling of which are completely covered in murals. On a second day, visitors could see the very fine and recently restored medieval church of DebreSina Mariam at Gorgora, at the northern end of Lake Tana, or make a day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park.
Kossoye Queens Village
Found 30 kilometers from Gondar on the way to Aksum, Kosoye is known for its scenic beauty and usage as a camp when Queen Elisabeth of England visited Ethiopia in 1965. Standing to the west of the village enables to watch the most stunning and gentile escarpment that slops down to the Sudan.
The Felasha Village
Situated three kilometers to the north from the city center, the small village of Weleqa was once inhabited by the Felasha community (Ethiopian Jews). For its history and center of craftsmanship like earthen pots, Woleqa is one of the attractions frequented by tourists especially for earthen pots.
The Monastery of Qusquam
Founded by Empress Mintwab, the monastery of Qusquam and the ruined palace are situated to the west of the town at about three kilometers from the city center. Qusquam was the last flower of Gondar before glory of the city wilted due to court intrigues and destructive civil wars. Here visitors can see the old church ruined palace of the Empress, fine old manuscripts, skeletal remains of the Empress, her son Iyasu II and grandson Iyoas.
The monastery of Debre-BirhanSillassie
The monastery of Debre-BirhanSillassie, built during the reign of Iyasu I, is famous especially for its fine frescoes. The ceiling and the beams are painted with rows of winged angels and the wall with impressive biblical events that reflect the life of Christ, Mary, the Saints and martyrs.
The church’s compound is also a botanical garden rich with giant junipers and old olive trees on which birds of different species nest. At the back of the enclosure is a traditional school where famous clerics of the nation learn church music, writing and binding.
The Bath of Emperor Fasiladas
t is a kilometer away to the west of the city. We are told that during the heyday of Gondar the bath had been used for sports and religious rites on the day of epiphany. But now it is employed only for the annual celebration of baptism. Nearby lays the tomb of Emperor Fasiladas’ great horse, Zobil.
The Royal Compound
Lying within 70,000 m2, the Royal Compound encompasses six lofty castles and many different purposed buildings like the royal archive, house of the musicians, the lion cage, the horse zoo, the sauna bath, house of the spinners etc. The earliest and grandest of all edifices is that of Emperor Fasiladas, which is 32 meters high and with battlemented square tower......
To the North of this castle stand the chancery of Emperor Yohannis I (r/1667-1682) and a splendid palace of Iyasu I (r/1682-1770). The palace of Iyasu was astonishingly embellished with ivory, gold, precious stone etc. To the North West, lie Dawit III’s music hall, Emperor Bakafa’s banquet house and empress Mintwab’s palace. A huge circular wall with 12 gates forms the enclosure.
West of Emperor Fasil’s archive, there is the church of Gimjabet Mariam, /the treasury of St. Mary/ and the tomb of W.C Plowden, British consul to Ethiopia in the 19th c.
Bahir Dar:
Bahir Dar, an attractive town, founded during the first decades of the 20thc, well lay out with palm lined avenues and with the blue of the lake in the background......
Lake Tana, a principal reservoir of the Nile, was known by the ancient Greeks as “copper tinted Lake” or “the Jewel of Ethiopia”, it is the largest lake, dotted with not less than 30 islands, on many of, which are found churches, unique monasteries and spectacular bird’s life. It had been serving as a link between Ethiopia and the ancient world. This spot is accessed by boats from the city. Here one could enjoy exploring church of St. Marry (monastery of Debra- Maryam), Hippos and the exact site where the famous Blue Nile River pours out of the lake. The most frequently visited place on Lake Tana is the Zegie peninsula, 20 kilometers, covered by a dense tropical forest. Walking through the forest topped by birds and monkeys and bathed by the fragrance of strange flowers leads to the reverend monasteries in the nearby.
TanaChirkos
TanaChirkos, the oldest monastery in Ethiopia, is situated to the eastern shore of the lake where one can observe life and rituals that have hardly been changed since the Old Testament. Tradition has it that the Ark of the Covenant was kept here for 800 years before it was removed to Aksum in the 4thc A.D by king Ezana.
This claim to antiquity is backed up by the presence of three hollowed out pillars, which, according to religious fathers of the monastery, were once used as Jewish sacrificial altars......
TanaChirkos has the richest historical collections including the bowl (gomor), a vessel for blood sacrifice, bed and blankets of Gonderine kings, astonishingly big parchments including the one that was written by St. Yared in the 6thc.
This beautiful and unusual island is a sanctuary of birds of different species like humming birds, kingfishers, bright blue starlings and many others. Here, equally important is the monastery of kirstosSemera which, unlike Tanachirkos, is allowed for women.
DagaEstephanos
The monastery of DagaEstephanose that was built during the 13thc and one of the holiest places lies some 35 kilometers from BahirDar.The real historic interest in Daga lies in its treasury. Here together with numerous piles of brightly colored ceremonial robes are the glass coffins containing the mummified remains of several of the former emperors of Ethiopia; namely YikunoAmlak, Dawit, Zerayakob, Ze Dingle and AtseFasiladas who ruled from the 13th_ 17th centuries. Personal possessions of these emperors are also kept in the storehouse. Daga is closed for women.
NargaSillassie
The Monastery of Narga found 35 kilometers away from Bahir Dar was founded by Empress Mintwab in the 18thc.Its architectural style has direct resemblance to the building of Gondar. The doors carved from single log are interesting. Inside the wall is decorated with vivid religious paintings showing scenes of the life and crucifixion of Christ, the miracles and flight of Mary and the struggle of Martyrs.
Narga also houses treasuries of the Gonderian period. When you are not in shortage of time, explore the neighboring monasteries and the life of the local community. Camping among this isolated communities and making a luxurious cruise to Gondar via Gorgora will be a historic event in life.
KibranGebriel
Founded during the reign of AmdeTsion in the 14thc and rebuilt by Iyasu I in the 17thc, the monastery of Kibran has a distinct cathedral atmosphere. Mural paintings and an iron cloth of the founding saint, illuminated manuscripts and other invaluable antiques make the monastery worth visiting. Kibran is allowed only for men.
Lake Tana Monasteries
Women & Men can visit
Debre Mariam: southern, the temple is reputedly very ancient have three ancient Ge’ez goat skin manuscripts.
UraKidaneMehiret: southern, the most impressive and frequently visited monastery, founded in 14th century re built in 16th century; the walls are covered in incredible jumble of 16th century murals.
Azuwa Mariam: southern, near to UraKidaneMehiret, boasts several animated 18th century paintings,
Bete Mariam &MehalGiyorgis: southern, near Azuwa Mariam, boasts several animated 18th century paintings
Entos Mariam: south of Kibran
NargaSellassie: central, the inner walls are covered from top to bottom with a riotous and absorbing collection of paintings, most thought to date back to the 18th century, there is a painting of Mary and baby Jesus, probably the only contemporaneous portrait of Mentewab to Servive.
MandabaMedhaneAlem: northern to the way to Gorgora, 14th century, known for its collections of old manuscripts, paintings, and antiquated treasures.
Birgda Mariam: northern 14th century, hosted 16th century painting of Saint Mary,AngaraTekleHaimanot, BahirGalila Zacharias, northern the oldest of all, the 14th century.
Men Only:
KibranGebriel: southern 30min by boat from Bahirdar, houses the largest library of ancient books including 15th century life of Christ. Not assessable for women.
DegaIstafanos: central, founded in late 13th century,the mausoleum, contains the mummified remains of at least five Ethiopian Emperors, YekunoAmelak, Dawit I, ZereYakob, Susneyos and Fasiledas.
TanaChirkos: central, the Ark of the Covenant was stowed on the Island for some 800years before it was transferred to Axum in 4th century AD by king Ezana.
Crossing up to Gorgora
Monastery of DebreSina Mariam: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is a pioneer to modern education in the country. Still today there are famous traditional schools in Bahir Dar where prospective clergies learn Geez, and hymn, writing on parchment. The system of education and the living styles of students in their small huts are amazing. Hence, get them closely attached to the different churches of the town.
Harar
A smooth 54 km drive from Dire Dawa through rolling fertile hills takes you to Harar, glistening 1850 m up on a hillside. The high stone walls of the city pierced with five gates and topped by twenty five towers. En route there is an interesting scenic view......
The medieval walled city of Harar stands amid green mountains, on the east wall of the Great Rift Valley near the Somali border. Harar’s heritage is almost entirely Muslim and Oriental; with its 90 mosques and shrines. Harar is considered to be the fourth most sacred center of the Islamic world. Its Islamic character is best expressed in the Grand Mosque (AL JAMI), which dominates the town. Rightly renowned for its intricately worked filigree jewelry of Silver, Gold, and Amber.
Harar’sMegaloGugo Market; is also a center for beautiful baskets of woven grass, decorative wall-mats and bright shawls, as well as all the fruit, vegetables, spices and grains of province. Harar’s five gates- the only means to enter or leave the city center-have been guarded over the years. One of the gates of the city happens to be the impressive ‘Shawa Gate’. For centuries it has served as a bridgehead for the entry of Islamic ideas into Africa from the nearby Arabian Peninsula.
In the evening you will visit the most enduring attraction “a hyena man show” where you can get a chance to stretch out your hands to feed hyenas by your own.
Sightseeing: Exploration of the old Walled town of Harar includes; the Harari Museum, Rimbaud House, the 16th century grand Mosque with its elegant twin towers and slender minaret, the church of MedhaneAlem, which houses a gallery with traditional religious art works, the tomb of Abu Said an early Muslim ruler, and the colorful Shoa Gate Market where one can Shop indigenous handicrafts and jewelries. And, recently UNESCO registers Gegol with in the wall of Harar as a world heritage site. In addition to these visit the coffee factory.
In the evening visit the most enduring attraction “a hyena man show” where you can get a chance to stretch out your hands to feed hyenas by your own.
Dire Dawa:
Is situated 517 km south east of Addis. It is a beautiful commercial city, founded more than a century ago.
ET provides a daily flight to and from Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa or by drive, takes 8-9hrs, asphalt road......
Here one can visit the large market of Dire, Kefira, often attended by rural Oromo and Afar in traditional garb. It is busiest in the morning and definitely worthy to see. The Awadai chat market is also another sight catching market.
The other one is the Afetissa market; situated at the place of narrow, meandering streets and square buildings. It is about 500m east of the main bridge across DechatuWadi (a dried up river bed, which in the rains become a roaring torrent, divides the railway town from the settlement that pre-existed it.) The market is well stocked with a bright variety of goods. And here, you may hear different local languages including Amharic, Oromo, Afar, Somali and Arab along with some French and English.
The Djibouti-Addis Ababa railway; which reached the spot in 1902, five years after the first spur led out of the port Djibouti in the French enclave on the Horn of Africa, is another prominent figure of the city.