Source: Skyscraper City

The New Flower, The political city of Africa. Yep! That’s Addis Ababa. This city that was nominated as the no.1 tourist spot by the European Council of Trade and Tourism is what we refer to as Addis Ababa. This is the largest and capital city of  Ethiopia. It houses different political institutions. As African students would be aware of in the subject of government, Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union and equally hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). So because of its intergovernmental and political parameter, the city is also referred to as “the political city of Africa”.
Just as every country in Africa, Ethiopia has its own pool of history and origin. One of the significant fact that marked its record is the two-faced war of the Italians and the Ethiopians; namely the First Italo-Ethiopian War and Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The First Italo-Ethiopian War was fought between Italy and Ethiopia from 1895 to 1896.  Surprisingly, the battle was won by the Ethiopians due to the consolidated power of the traditionalists, African supporters within the country and beyond, Russia’s military contribution and the United Kingdom’s diplomatic backup. After the popular  Battle of Adwa (link), the Ethiopian army dealt with the heavily outnumbered Italians. I quote a historian: "In an age of relentless European expansion, Ethiopia alone had successfully defended its independence".

The Second Italo-Ethiopian War or Second Italo-Abyssinian War, was a colonial war whose duration was between 1935 to 1936 between Italy  and the Ethiopian Empire . Ethiopia was defeated and subjected to military occupation until Italy was defeated in East Africa in 1941, during the Second World War.
For this reason, till today the buildings in Addis Ababa, especially in the Piazza district have adopted the Italian architectural style as the city is flooded with many Italian restaurants, as well as small cafes, and European-style shopping centers.

Attractions
Now why is this city even worth the attention of a potential visitor? Addis Ababa (meaning the New Flower) is located in the beautiful Ethiopian highlands. The weather is very welcoming and pleasant. There are many attractions that the city unfolds; from the local and international cuisine, exceptional coffee to ancient churches and interesting museums. Let’s Cruise Addis Ababa.

1. Addis Mercato

Source: Youtube

Mercato means “market” in Italian. This is the largest open air market in Africa, where you can buy all sorts of things; souvenirs, clothes you name it. You could also do what they call “window shopping” and just enjoy the busy ambiance.

2. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) and Museum

Source: LinkeIn

If you want to feel some form of religious ambiance here is the Holy Trinity Cathedral- the most sacred Ethiopian Orthodox church in the city. It is marked with carvings and statues and penned with some Ethiopian historical elements, a selection of  Amharic Bibles and religious writings and crowns of former Ethiopian Emperors. This is where the famous Haile Selassie was buried
    
3. National Museum of Ethiopia

Source: News On Air

This is the spot of joy and research for archaeologists! Why? Here there is a good collection of archaeology, like skeletal remains from early homicides and you will definitely notice the consistent mention of the famous “Lucy”. It also houses a good collection of some Ethiopia’s most famous works of art.

4. Monuments, Lion of Judah, Derg Monument

Source:GPSmycity

Addis Ababa is filled with monuments at nearly every public square, place of importance, or within the large road roundabouts throughout the city. One of them is the Derg Monument. Located on the Churchill Avenue, it gives you the sense of North Korean presence. The Statue of the Lion of Judah represents the Ethiopian pride and the emperor. And a replica of it made from black stone sits outside the National Theater (pictured).
   
 5. Ethiopian Coffee

Source: solerebels

If you are die hard coffee lover, here is the oasis of consistent coffee drinkers. There are two main versions in the country and they are served in all Ethiopian restaurants and even in the streets.

Addis Ababa is a worthwhile destination especially for religious tourists. While it is a hub for over 120 international missions, it’s also one of the best sites for archaeological appreciation. With its historical record and its beautiful attractions, one would feel at home while touring this metropolitan city. When going to Addis Ababa, ensure you take plenty sips of Ethiopian coffee-the grand characteristic element of Addis Ababa and beyond! Cruise Africa Rocks!