For the first time in the historical arena, the word "Ethiopia" appeared in the 4th century, and it appeared thanks to the Greeks, who called the territories where people with a sun-tanned face live. It is noteworthy that Christianity entered here much earlier than in most European countries, because along with the most beautiful natural sights there are many monuments of Christian architecture. Now the African country is actively developing tourism, and the most interesting sights and beautiful places of Ethiopia are becoming popular places to visit.
1
Monument A.S. Pushkin
We begin our acquaintance with the sights of the Ethiopian capital, especially Addis Ababa can really surprise tourists arriving here.
It would seem that connects a distant African country with Russia? But it turns out there is such a fact, because the ancestors of the great Russian classic were from Ethiopia.
In 2002, a monument to Alexander Pushkin was erected in the center of the capital. The bronze bust became the first monument to the founder of the literary Russian language on the African continent.
2
Holy Trinity Cathedral
In Achmar, and this is the official language of Ethiopia, the name of this magnificent cathedral is Kidist Selassie, and the Ethiopians call it the “Pure Altar”.
The first stone was laid in 1928, but completed construction in 1942, and the Temple became a symbol of the country's liberation from Italian aggression. Now it is a huge cult complex, which includes the park and the Bale Wold church.
Members of the royal family are buried on the territory of the cathedral, including Emperor Haile Selassie, as well as Empress Menen Asfau.
3
Church of Mary of Zion
In the ancient city of Axum in 372, a stone church was erected on the ruins of a pagan sanctuary. Today it is a place of pilgrimage for Christians not only in Ethiopia, but throughout Africa.
At the beginning of the XVI century, the walls of the church and the altar were destroyed by Muslims, and in 1635 the unique temple was restored and it acquired a modern look.
Services are held in it, and also this is a unique repository of the ark of the covenant - the main shrine of the Orthodox Ethiopia.
4
Tana lake
One of Ethiopia's largest lakes is located in the north-west of the country, and is famous for the fact that the Blue Nile flows from it.
The mirror area of the lake is 3500 km², and the maximum depth is 15 m. Not far from the lake is the city of Gondar, which was the capital of an African state in the XV-XVI centuries.
On its shores, locals grow coffee, plant cereals and Pancake week crops. And they move around the lake in unique boats made of paper cane.
And on the pages of most-beauty.ru you can read an interesting article about the most beautiful lakes in the world.
5
Symen National Park
Tourists visiting a unique natural park in the Amhara region take with them a lot of impressions and beautiful photos of Ethiopian nature.
The purpose of its creation in 1969 was to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Symen mountains, as well as to protect the flora and fauna of the northern part of the Ethiopian Highlands.
On the territory of 22 500 hectares you can observe the diversity of natural landscapes, as well as observe the life of rare animals such as the Nubian mountain goat and the graceful shrubby cat Serval.
6
Tis Ysat
Near the small village of Tis Abbay on the Blue Nile River there is a beautiful waterfall, the name of which literally translates as “Smoky Water”.
This is a cascade of waterfalls, the level of which ranges from 45 to 37 meters. they differ in the width of the falling flow of water. The most powerful one has a width of 400 m, and the smallest 100 m.
Waterfalls are surrounded by the picturesque nature of a mountain gorge, and a rainbow often forms above a cascade of waterfalls.
7
Facil-gobby
The medieval fortress in the city of Gondar for many years served not only as a defensive structure, but was also the residence of the emperor Fasilidas and his heirs.
It was erected at the beginning of the 16th century, and it was with her that the city began. The architecture of the fortress and buildings inside includes elements of the Indian and Arabic style. Over time, baroque elements also appeared in the design.
After the Second World War, a unique architectural monument was repeatedly restored, and in 2005 the fortress reopened for tourists.
8
Sof Omar Cave
The most beautiful mountain cave system in the Bale region is a real miracle of nature. The cave is the longest within the country, and some researchers claim that throughout Africa.
The length of Sof Omar is 15.1 km, and the Web River flows through some of its parts. The unique pillars attract particular attention, and there is even a “Chamber of Columns” in the chain of caves.
The cave was opened in 1897, and today it has 42 entrances, only 4 of which can be used to guide tourist groups.
You can find out about other equally picturesque caves of the world on our website by clicking on the link.
9
National Museum
The idea of creating a museum in the Ethiopian capital arose in the 30s of the twentieth century, and it opened in 1976. Now in its halls there is a unique collection of African treasures.
The museum is divided into four sections, and the archaeological and paleontological departments are of most interest to visitors. The expositions show the remains of the most ancient inhabitants of the Earth, as well as the first tools made by man.
A modern research center and a new exhibition hall were built next to the old museum building.
10
Debre Libanos
In a picturesque place where one of the Blue Nile tributaries flows between a mountain rock and a gorge, a monastery was founded in the 13th century.
Saint Takla Haimanot spent 29 years in solitude in one of the caves before founding the monastery. Now it is one of the main places of pilgrimage for the Orthodox, and Debre-Libanos is headed by the second person after the patriarch who is called Ichege.
A small church was built over the burial place of Hymanot, and not far from the monastery you can visit the cave where he lived.
11
Axum Obelisk
The monument of ancient Ethiopian architecture with a height of 24 m and a weight of 160 tons became the hallmark of the city of Axum, and, most likely, had a religious purpose.
A unique monument was erected in the 4th century BC. Its sides are covered with amazing paintings, and among these intricate drawings, scientists have found images of doors and windows.
The Italians in 1937 brought the monument to Rome, but in 2005 it was returned to the city and in 2008 it was erected in the same historical place.
12
Rock churches of Lalibela
Unique monolithic temples in the Ethiopian town of Lalibela were erected in the XIII century, and now it is part of the World Heritage of Humanity.
Scientists still do not know the exact date of their construction, but many structures were erected precisely during the reign of Gabre Lalibela. A total of 13 churches were built in the territory, divided into 4 groups.
In addition to historical value, it is also an amazing monument of engineering, since all structures are connected by water pipes and wells, through which water is supplied to the highest point of the city.
13
Dungur
The ruins of the royal mansion in the west of Axum are also called Dungur Addi Kilt, and for tourists it is known as the Queen Sheba Palace. We are known as the Queen of Sheba, and in Ethiopian legends is referred to as Makeda.
A magnificent building was erected with many halls and a courtyard around the 4th century, and many historians believe that only a wealthy official could afford such a mansion.
During the excavations, large living quarters were found, as well as the remains of columns and stairs connecting the various levels of the majestic palace.
14
Stella Tia
In the north of the country lies the region where the ancient Gurage people live, and this part of Ethiopia is famous for its unique stellas.
In the course of research, 36 stellas carved from stones were discovered at the beginning of the Iron Age. Between historians and archaeologists, the debate about the purpose of the steles does not abate, but many assume that this is a kind of sanctuary.
On high stones there are no inscriptions, but there are only images of swords and several mysterious signs and symbols. There is no doubt that they were abandoned by the highly cultured civilization that once existed in Ethiopia.
15
Volcano dallol
The volcano got its name according to the area, which is located in the north of Ethiopia, and is considered one of the most inaccessible places on our planet.
The place is surprising in that the crater of the volcano is located in the Danakil Basin, formed at around 130 m below sea level.
The last time the volcano showed activity in 1926, and it was then that a wonderful lake was formed in its crater, at an altitude of 48 m below sea level.
By the way, here you can read an article and enjoy photos of beautiful underwater volcanoes.
16
Hamer tribe
We conclude the journey and describe the sights of Ethiopia in the south-west of the country, where the unique Hamer ethnic group lives.
For many centuries, this people has preserved its traditions, and live, like their long-standing ancestors, as a community. Particularly surprising is the beauty of the fair sex, and the girls of the tribe can rightfully be considered the most beautiful Africans.
Also, tourists rush to get acquainted with the lifestyle of the tribe, as well as visit the markets where you can buy unique tools, as well as crafts.
We almost forgot to report that until 1946 the largest African empire was often called Abyssinia, and many military clashes took place on its territory. Now the flag of Ethiopia symbolizes the world, and the pictogram in the center is the unity of peoples.
In conclusion, we note that Ethiopia is also famous for the fact that the Australian Australopithecus Lucy was found on its territory in the 1970s, and these are so far the only complete remains of the most ancient human ancestor.
Article author: Valery Skiba