Ethiopia is a historical based nation whose culture and architecture are marvelous and commonly referred to as the cradle of human civilization. Ethiopia has a number of Historical Cities which are located at the center of Africa and offer visitors a vibe of the history of the continent. The cities present a unique blend of the old infrastructure, religion and a breathtaking scenery which makes the visitor travel back in time. The rich and varied history of Ethiopia has its tale to tell in the form of medieval fortresses, hewn churches out of the rock, every city. Ethiopia also has a place that will appeal to all interest groups as an adventure lover, history lover or a cultural traveler.
The country is not only beautiful in its architecture but also its blossoming traditions, festivals and local customs. There were great kingdoms and religious movements that existed in numerous Ethiopian cities such as Axum, Lalibela and Gondar. Visiting these Historical Cities in Ethiopia allows the visitor to see the ancient ruins, sacrament churches and palaces which are dated at least 200 years. Using carefully structured Ethiopia Tour Packages and Ethiopia Holiday Packages, one can now easily plan a trip to the cities and bring out the full experience of the Ethiopian past. Gokite Oman gives the guarantee to the tourists that they would be amazed with these cultural wonders at the comfort of their travel.
Here are the Top Historical Cities in Ethiopia and Their Must-See Landmarks
1. Ethiopia, the antique kingdom of Axum.
Axum is a town in northern Ethiopia, which was once the capital of the Axumite Empire but is also referred to as the location of monumental obelisks and royal tombs. The city of Axum is regarded as the UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the monuments of the ancient Ethiopian civilization. The city played a significant role in the history of the early Christian, and is believed to harbor the mythical Ark of Covenant in the Church of St. Mary of Zion.
Must-See Landmarks in Axum:
Obelisks of Axum: The stelae or obelisks measure over 20 meters in height which is an engineering and architectural excellence of the city.
Church of St. Mary of Zion: This is a religious centre in Ethiopia which is believed to be the holiest of all places.
Axum Archaeological Museum: Information about the history of the Axumite Empire, documents, coins and inscriptions are presented in the museum.
King Kalebs Palace: This is a historic site, which demonstrates the greatness of the kings of Axumite.
Through a set of guided Tour Packages in Ethiopia, the tourists can even tour around Axum including transportation, local guides and guided tours in order to ensure that the visitors visit all the major landmarks.
2. Lalibela The Rock-Hewn Churches.
Lalibela the New Jerusalem consists of eleven rock-hewn churches which are well known. In the 12 th century, these churches were carved out of solid rock and remain as places of worship and prayer. The architecture and the religious significance make Lalibela one of the most distinctive Historical Cities of Ethiopia.
Sights of Lalibada:
Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis): The most popular cross shaped rock-cut and neatly hewn church.
Bete Medhane Alem: It is the largest and monolithic church in the world.
Bete Maryam: It is characterized by complicated carvings along with the religious fresco.
Lalibela Market: It is an actual Ethiopian experience with traditional crafts, foods and local gifts.
The Ethiopia Tour that will be arranged at Gokite Oman will perhaps allow the visitors to learn more about the historical and spiritual values of Lalibela, and they will never forget this visit.
3. Gondar – The Camelot of Africa
Gondar, in the north of Ethiopia, is usually called the Camelot of Africa, and her ancient castles and palaces affirm the witness of the great glory of the Ethiopian royal history. Gondar had been an Ethiopian capital in the 17 th century and it now represents a cultural centre.
Must-See Landmarks in Gondar:
Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure): It is a World Heritage site according to UNESCO where palaces, castles and bathhouses are located.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church: It features lovely ceiling frescoes with bible scenes painting the wall of this church.
Fasiladas Bath: Timkat festival: Timkat festival is said to be accompanied by Timkat festival held in Fasiladas Bath which is colored.
Gondar Castle Complex: Gives a good view of the city and it also gives an idea of what the life of the royalties was like.
The tourists can choose to make Ethiopian Holiday Packages which include visiting Gondar under a multi-city tour to experience the history of Ethiopian royal family.
4. Harar The Walled City of Culture.
Harar, a city in eastern Ethiopia is a popular center of Islam and one of the oldest inhabited cities in Africa. The City is recognized by its vibrant markets, old mosques, and streetways that cause one to travel back in history.
Must-See Landmarks in Harar:
Harar Jugol: A world heritage site of the UNESCO which features walled city-buildings and traditional houses.
Hyena feeding ritual: It is a cultural event whereby individuals have been feeding hyenas in a culture dating more than centuries ago.
Grand Mosque: This is a magnificent architectural structure that is an embodiment of the Islamic legacy of the city.
Harar Market: A local and traditional spice and handcrafts and local delicacies market.
Tour Packages by Ethiopia Tour Packages that are conducted by Gokite Oman tend to include Harar that has both cultural and historical experience.
5. Bahir Dar The Blue Nile and Monasteries
Bahir Dar is a historical city and a scenic city in Ethiopia which is situated on the banks of the lake Tana. Having its monasteries on the islands of the lake as well as the grandiose Blue Nile Falls, Bahir Dar is both a beautiful and a culture place.
Sights to See in Bahir Dar:
Lake Tana Monasteries: these are available by boat and on these islands, there are old monasteries containing ancient manuscripts and murals.
Blue Nile Falls: This is a great natural site with historical significance to the locals in the region.
Bahir Dar Market: It is one of the markets where local crafts, textiles and spices are sold.
Metekel Palace: An illustration of ancient architecture and royalty.
Ethiopia Tour Packages in Gokite Oman will be fulfilling to tourists who want to study the history and experience nature in Bhair Dar.
6. Mekelle Portal to The Tigray Region.
The Ethiopian region of Tigray, with its capital Mekelle, is turning into a destination of historical places and heritage. It offers the ancient buildings carved out of rock and the stunning topographies of Tigray which are found in the city.
Interesting Sights in Mekelle:
Seyoum Palace: It is an old palace which illustrates the imperial reign in Ethiopia.
Enda Marians Church: This is a church that is characterized by frescoes and religious background.
Tigray Rock Churches: These are ancient churches carved out of the cliffs and mountainsides of the neighbouring valleys.
Mekelle Museum: One can find archaeological artifacts and historical exhibits of the area in this museum.
Through Ethiopia Tour Packages, tourists will see the sites that have not been frequented much in Mekelle but which are historical sites in Ethiopia.
7. Dire Dawa The Ancient Trading City.
Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia was a trading centre in the railway line constructed in the early 20 th century. The city has preserved its historical beauty regarding colonial buildings, busy markets and culture.
Sights of Dire Dawa:
Dire Dawa Railway Station: The picture of the transportation and trade of the early modern world.
Kebir Valley: This one offers archeological information and stunning scenery.
Medhane Alem Cathedral: This is the manifestation of the history of religion and culture of the city.
Dire Dawa Market: A multi-ethnic market of local crafts, foods and traditions.
A holiday in Ethiopia would allow the tourists to join the world of culture as well as history through a visit to Dire Dawa in an Ethiopia Holiday Package.
8. Debre Libanos Spiritual Centre.
One of the most important spiritual centers of Ethiopia is the town of Debre Libanos that is located directly north of Addis Ababa. There is a monastery and beautiful ravine therein and it has been a pilgrimage since time immemorial.
The Debre Libanos Sights of interest:
Debre Libanos Monastery: This monastery was built in the 13 th century and holds religious manuscripts.
Blue Nile Gorge: Just breathtaking views and hiking.
Portuguese Bridge: This is a bridge built during the 16 th century.
Pilgrimage Sites:Tourists can get to see the religious ceremonies and occasions.
Spiritual and historical tours form one of the ways in which Ethiopia Tour packages may expose the travelers to the destination of Debre Libanos.
9. Addis Ababa – History and Modern History.
Addis Ababa is not merely the busy city of Ethiopia, it also possesses some historical sites which are worth sightseeing in order to get to know more about the history of the development of this country into modernity.
Scenes of the sightseeing in Addis Ababa:
National Museum of Ethiopia: The museum contains the renowned fossil of Ethiopia called Lucy and fragments of Ethiopian history.
Holy Trinity Cathedral: royal tomb and a place of worship.
Ethnological Museum: It is the source of information about other cultures and Ethiopian history.
Merkato Market: The largest open market in Africa that displays historical trade.
Addis Ababa is an Ethiopia Holiday Package that provides the tourist with great idea as to the history of this country and the present situation of the country.
Itinerary with Gokite Oman.
Gokite Oman booking can provide a stress free and satisfying tour to the historical wonders of Ethiopia to the people interested in visiting the site. Their Ethiopia Tour Packages are guided tours of the key historical cities in the country, comfortable stay, in-country transportation, they immerse themselves in the culture. Gokite Oman also gives Travelers a chance to visit these Historical Cities in Ethiopia and enjoy the convenience and professionalism of having their tours pre-planned by the job professionals.
Since the days of the deafening ancient kingdoms, to religious meccas, to colorful cultural enclaves, Ethiopia Holiday Packages at Gokite Oman have been designed to the taste of all travellers. The obelisks of Axum, the walled city of Harar, all the castles of Gondar, all the churches of Lalibela, all the attractions of the country will be wisely included to complete the entire journey in history.
Conclusion
Ethiopia is an ancient, cultural and architectural gold mine. The trip to the Historical Cities in Ethiopia is the possibility to observe a part of ancient civilization, the manners and customs of religions and monarchies. They are all cities that have their own landmarks with centuries of their histories and they start with the Axum and then to Lalibela, Gondar and Harar. Not only are these cities places of attraction, they are also living museums, and they mirror the diverse heritage of Ethiopia.
When planning your trip with Gokite Oman, you will be assured that your trip to Ethiopia will be an informative and comfortable experience. Their Ethiopia Tour Packages and Ethiopia Holiday Packages are professionally designed in such a way that the traveler can get to explore the historical and cultural marvels of the country without the trouble. Being a history lover, a cultural tourist or an explorer you have to visit the historical cities of Ethiopia because it will be an enriching and an inspiring experience that would stay in your mind even after you are out of the country. Experience the timeless wonders of Ethiopia on the lens of the breathtaking historical cities.
