Things to see and do Addis Ababa

Yekatit 12 means "February 19th" in Amharic. Known as the Martyrs' Monument or Sidist Kilo, like the district around it, the obelisk is a memorial to the Graziani massacre carried out by the Italians during the occupation in 1937. It pays tribute to all the resistance fighters and heroes of that war. After the 1945 armistice, Haile Selassie laid a wreath of flowers here every year. A closer look at the details of the obelisk reveals relief scenes of the massacre and the funeral of the victims, as well as a lion of Judah.

At the end of Churchill Avenue, opposite the old railway station, the statue of the Lion of Judah stands on its black granite pedestal. Its bas-relief features portraits of Menelik II, Haile Selassie, Empress Zewditou and Mekonnen Wolde Mikael. It was sculpted by French artist Georges Gardet in 1930. Stolen by the Italians in 1935, the Lion of Judah remained at the foot of the Dogali monument obelisk in Rome until its return in 1960. Since then, the monument has been dedicated to the memory of Zerai Deres, a young Eritrean in revolt against Italian colonialism.

Zoma Museum is a new architectural and botanical discovery center in Addis Ababa, popular with families at weekends for its large, quiet garden planted with local species and flowers. This is not a classic museum, but a series of small houses made of earth, brick, straw and other natural materials used in traditional Ethiopian architecture, with walls sculpted with geometric designs. They house a restaurant, a bookshop... and it's possible to tour them with a guide, as there are no explanatory panels.

This art gallery is also a jewelry store and concept store of the first choice in Addis Ababa. Beautiful handicrafts and objets d'art are on display and for sale, for those looking for fine craftsmanship. This gallery, created and run by women, places particular emphasis on traditional pottery and silver crosses typical of all the Orthodox regions of Ethiopia. Paintings also hang on the walls. You'll also find beautiful hand-woven Ethiopian scarves and textiles.

This new museum, located in the heart of the new Parc de l'Amitié, completes a rapidly changing cultural offering in this aristocratic district of the city. This small private museum is housed in the former home of Mrs. Yimtubezinash Habte, built in 1892 by Indian builders who blended their architecture with Ethiopian style. It is a historical symbol, as it is contemporary with the creation of Addis Ababa, and Mrs. Habte was a turn-of-the-century businesswoman and sister of Fitawrari Shemeles Habte, the Harar administrator at the time who fought against Italy during the first invasion of Meychew. She herself was a resistance fighter imprisoned by the Italian military until 1933, a true female figure in the building of the Ethiopian nation. The house remained in the family for five generations, until she decided to bequeath it to create a museum that aims to be patriotic and unifying, in an Ethiopia that needs symbols of unity today. The permanent exhibition features period photos and a focus on the Battle of Adwa, where the Ethiopians won the decisive battle over the Italians that made this nation the only country ever colonized in Africa. Photos of Addis Ababa in its infancy are also on display. The museum also conducts research into Ethiopian heritage and organizes conferences on the subject. Temporary exhibitions are also scheduled.

Entoto Nature Park is a peaceful eucalyptus forest just a stone's throw from the bustling capital, overlooking the Shiromeda district, famous for its traditional textile market. Visitors come here to enjoy the splendid views over the city, as well as the tranquility of the area, with its rivers and waterfalls. There are children's playgrounds, cafés and restaurants to stop off at... The 11 km hiking trail is suitable for the whole family.

Inaugurated in October 2022 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this museum dedicated to science and digital transformation is futuristic in its architecture. It is located close to Unity and Friendship Parks in the new tourist heart of Addis Ababa. Its 15,000^m2 circular showroom is nicknamed the "Ring of Wisdom". It symbolizes humanity's endless capacity to create. Exhibitions are interactive and didactic. Like the Géode in Paris, the Théâtre du Dôme has a 3D cinema.

This cultural center not only offers courses to Ethiopians wishing to learn the language of Molière, but is also a multi-disciplinary center that deserves a closer look at its programming. Be sure to check its Facebook page for upcoming exhibitions by Ethiopian artists (photographers, painters...), as well as plays, concerts, film screenings and special events (Christmas market...). Restaurant.

Friendship Park, also known as Sheger Park, is Addis Ababa's largest urban park, right next to Unity Park. Inaugurated in 2020, this new green lung boasts a pleasant artificial lake and attracts morning joggers, families and event organizers (concerts, etc.). A "dancing fountain" is located here, providing a spectacle of colorful water jets and lights every evening at 7pm. Part 2 of the park features the new Yimtubezina Museum, recently inaugurated with a large children's playground.