Addis Ababa and Its Surroundings:

The modern city, Addis Ababa- was founded in 1886 at the site of a hot springs by Emperor Menelik II and given the name Addis Ababa, Amharic version for “new flower.” It is centrally located within Ethiopia as a capital city should be. The city is situated at 40 longitudes and at 180 latitudes. Its altitude varies from 3200 meters at the top of Entoto to 2200 meters at the foot of the city. Addis Ababa has an annual average rainfall of 1,153 mm and an average temperature of 150c.  The city is a big metropolis, which covers an area of 21,000 Sq. Km. and has an estimated population of 3.2 million people, according to 1996 census.
In 1963 the charter establishing the Organization of African Unity was signed here.

Now, Addis Ababa is the seat of Addis Ababa University (1950), schools of music and art, and several research institutes. As headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the city is the scene of many international conferences. Of note in the city are the octagon-shaped Saint George Coptic Christian Cathedral (1896), the modern Africa Hall with its dramatic stained-glass windows, and the Menelik II Palace, as well as several museums with collections of art, ethnology, and archaeology. Addis Ababa is the focus of a highway network, the site of an international airport, and the terminus of a railroad to the Gulf of Aden port of Djibouti. It is a place for the vast open-air market known as the Mercato, on the western side of the city.

Entoto St. Mary Museum:

The church, built by Emperor Menelik in 1882, is situated on the extensive mountain rage of Entoto. Articles of historical significance, donated by members of the royal families are exhibited in a small museum. The architectural design and the inner wall paintings of the church are fascinating. Visitors can have the most breath taking view of the city and the surrounding areas from this church and a visit to Menelik's old palace adds up to an experience the visitor will always cherish

The National Museum:

The National Museum exhibits fascinating items like the oldest hominid skeleton (Lucy) that is discovered in 1974 in a place called Hadar, on the banks of the Awash River. She is believed to be over three million years old. The museum also contains traditional and ceremonial costumes, jewelry paintings, sculptures and other archeological findings.

Ethnographic Museum:

It hosts ethnographic items of more than eighty ethnic groups of the country. The museum accommodate on the first and second floors and comprising of the bedroom of the late Emperor HaileselassieI and ethnographic section and gallery, which concentrates on the history of sacred arts.

Beata Saint Mary Mausoleum:

 Empress Zewditu, Menelik’s daughter, built the mausoleum in 1911. It is situated in the premises of Menelik's palace. The remains of the King, his wife Empress Taitu and his daughter Empress Zewditu are in the underground crypt.

Trinity Cathedral:

Trinity Cathedral was constructed by Emperor Haileselassie in 1947 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The architecture of the cathedral is very unique to both Ethiopia and Africa. It is ornamented with carvings and mosaic and other artistic works such as paintings of saints and the apostles on the stained glass. Within the compound and gardens of the church are found the crypts of the Imperial family.

Africa Hall:

The Africa hall, which is situated opposite to the Grand palace, is the seat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It was built in 1961 by Ethiopian government as a monument to African Unity. In the lobby there is a stained glass window by Ethiopia's most well known artist, Miter Artist, World Laureate Afework Tekle, depicting the Africans of yesterday, today and tomorrow in their struggle for freedom and progress.

The Markato:

The grand market (Markato) is a place where a commercial activity of the capital city takes place. It is one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. The normal market days are Wednesday and Saturday. It is true that anything you might want can be found here, only if you know where to look. Markato is not only Addis Ababa's commercial center, but also the dynamo of the country's business and industry. Here bargaining is a way of life.

DebreZeit:

DebreZeit, which is found 50 kms, south east of Addis Ababa is an attractive town surrounded by lovely crater lakes. The lakes within a radius of 5 kilometers are Hora, Babogaya, Kurriftu and Bishoftu. It is also an ideal place for bird watching and boat riding.

Mountain Ziqualla:

Mountain. Ziqualla is an extinct volcano rising to 600 meters above sea level with a large crater and a monastery at its summit. It is on the right turn before entering DebreZeit town. It is 85 kms away from the capital. The view from the top includes many small hills and chains of mountains. The Crater Lake surrounded by Juniper trees and thick bushes with Columbus monkeys adds to its beauty.

Nazreith:

Nazreith, situated some 100kms south east of Addis Ababa, is simply a pleasant big town and an example of one of the country's fastest growing commercial centers. The town lies on a warm valley adorned with bougainvillea flame and palm trees.

Sodere:

Sodere is situated 126 kms southeast of Addis Ababa. It is a very popular resort area with a new hotel complex. Numerous birds, and monkeys, can be seen. The hot spring Olympic size swimming pool and physiotherapy centers are frequented visited by visitors of all ages.

Ambo and Wonchi:

Ambo is situated 125 kms west of Addis Ababa. It can be reached only after two and half hours drive. The magnificent landscapes, the volcanic Hot springs, surrounded by shady trees are enjoyable. Ambo yields the most popular mineral water in the country. Its hot springs have been turned in to modern spas. After half an hour drive (32kms) south of Ambo on the left side to Wolisso, Lake Wonchi could be reached. The lake lies in unique and irregular shaped basin surrounded by chain of circular height covered by greenish Alpine vegetation. There is a small monastery church called Saint Kirkos on the island.

Debre Libanos:

After 103 km to the north of Addis Ababa there is a side road, which leads to the ancient monastery of Debre Libanos. The monastery was established by a 13th century Ethiopian saint called Abune Tekelehaimanot. There stands an imposing beautiful church with magnificent murals. Near by a 16th Century Bridge, which was said to be built by a Portuguese engineer, is spotted.

Abay Gorge:

It is situated 225 kms north of Addis Ababa. The majestic and enormous gorge is the most captivating in Africa. It has a magnificent, alluring physical feature and natural beauty. At the bottom of the gorge the bridge spans over the Abay (the Blue Nile).

Melka-Kunture:

Situated 52kms southwest of the capital is an archeological site that lies on the bank of Awash River. Here experts had excavated fossils, stone tools and related materials of the primitive man 1.5 million years old.

Adadi-Mariam:

The church is situated 68kms, south of the capital city. It is the southernmost rock-hewn church in Ethiopia. Traditions associate it with king Lalibela's visit to nearby Mount Ziqualla in 1106 A.D. The church differs from that found at Lalibela in two ways. Its round in shape and it is unfinished probably because the rock from which it is carved is too soft and pores.

Tiya:

Tiya is situated 88kms south of Addis Ababa. It is particularly rich in anthropomorphic monoliths. The 36 steles, which were probably believed to be tombstones, are still standing. Thirty-one of these steles have artwork. The highest of them measures 3.70 meters. UNESCO has declared Tiya as a world heritage.