Harar
Harar is the city in eastern Ethiopia & near Dire Dawa at an elevation of about 1830 m (about 6000 ft). It was established in 1520. The city was snowed under and captured by the fanatical Muslim leader, Ahemed Gragn, who used it as a head quarter from where to launch His devastating Jihad against the Christian Ethiopian Kingdom. It is surrounded by high walls (Wall of Harar or Jugol built between the 13th and 16th century) which remain destinictitive features of the City today. The wall has got height of 4 meters .it was built to serve the purpose of fortress against invaders. The wall of Harar has got five gates. These gates are used by caravans traveling to and from different areas. It was the capital of the independent Muslim state of Adal. There are special events like hyena feeding; Lay out of the houses & Basketry.
Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar first came to importance in the late sixteen (early seventeen) century, during the establishment of the capital of Ethiopia in the vicinity of the Lake Tana. Bahir Dar for centuries has been a place of commercial importance. It was and still visited for its Historical Heritages like, Churches on the Islands of Lake Tana. The other amazing corner of the area is tankwas (Papyrus Canoes) which is made by the lake side people called Woyto. These ride boats are used to make journey across Tana Lake to visit the historical churches which are located on Tana Islands.
Gondar
The city is situated in northwestern Ethiopia, 32 km north of Lake Tana, at an elevation of 2215 m (7250 ft). The majority of the city’s population is Amharic-speaking followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, but Gondar also has many Muslim residents. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Ethiopian emperor Fasiladas and became the country’s first permanent capital. It became Ethiopia’s principal cultural center and a major market for trade. Gondar has some of Ethiopia’s most important historical sites. The city is famous for its Castles and Palaces, most of which were constructed in the 17th century. Also of note are the bath of Emperor Fasiladas (built from 1632 to 1667), the library of Emperor Johannes I (built from 1667 to 1682), and the remnants of 44 ancient churches.
Lalibela
Lalibela is a medieval settlement in the Lasta area of Wellow. It is the site of the eleven remarkable rocks-hewn churches, which are believed to be built by king Lalibela in the late twelfth and thirteenth century being assisted by Angels.
Axum
Aksum was an ancient kingdom that flourished in northeastern Africa from the 1st century B.C. until early 7th century AD. Its capital was the city of Aksum, which lies in the northern part of present-day Ethiopia. Aksumit kings built massive Stelea (stone pillars) to adorn their tombs, and some of these Stelea still stand today.It was one of the most powerful states during the period particularly between the 4th and the 7th century. At that time it was also in regular diplomatic and commercial contact with the Eastern Roman Empire, Persia and other countries, in the near east and the Indian Ocean. It is well known for its ruins of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba who ruled 1000B.C. The greatest mystery of all, however, is that the son of the Queen of Sheba, Menelik I, first king of the Solomonic Dynasty, brought with him the Ark of Covenant from the temple of Jerusalem to Aksum.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, capital and largest city of Ethiopia, was the country's commercial, manufacturing, and cultural center. It is situated in central Ethiopia at an elevation of about 2440 m (about 8000 ft) above sea level. The modern city was founded in 1887 at the site of a hot springs by Emperor Menelik II and given the name Addis Ababa, Amharic for “new flower.” It became the national capital in 1889. Addis Ababa is an extensive city, well wooded, especially with eucalyptus trees, and crossed by broad avenues. Modern, multistoried buildings sit side by side with traditional one- and two-storied structures and open spaces.
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