Palace of Emperor Menelik, Entoto Natural Park, Ethiopia
Palace of Emperor Menelik II in Entoto Natural Park, Addis Ababa
On one of the days we spent in Addis Ababa last December we hire a local driver to take us to the Entoto Natural Park. This short, easy drive emerges at the top of one of the mountains overlooking the city. At 3200 metres altitude the view is spectacular – but only on a clear day. Fortunately for us there was very little pollution that day.
First we paid the small fee to have a guided tour of the museum dedicated to Emperor Menelik II. after that we walked around the magnificent Entoto Maryam Orthodox Church. Behind the church are the well-kept remains of the palace of the emperor, featured in the photos on this post.
Palace of Emperor Menelik II in Entoto Natural Park, Addis Ababa
Palace of Emperor Menelik II in Entoto Natural Park, Addis Ababa
Palace of Emperor Menelik II in Entoto Natural Park, Addis Ababa
Entoto Maryam Church, Addia Ababa, Ethiopia
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
On our visit to Addis Ababa late last year we employed a local driver on several occasions. One fine, sunny day we had him drive us to the top of Entoto Natural Park. At 3200 metres altitude it was quite chilly at the top but the view was wonderful.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church on top of the mountain is well worth a visit though we weren’t allowed inside. Never mind, the church is magnificent on the outside.
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The Entoto Maryam Church is a short drive from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. It is set in beautiful forest in the Entoto Natural Park. This Ethiopian Orthodox Church is a popular tourist site. We spent over an hour wandering around the grounds and the adjacent palace of Emperor Menelik II.
Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa from Entoto Natural Park
View of Addis Ababa from Entoto Natural Park
Clear days don’t happen all that often in the capital city of Ethiopia. The pollution can be very bad on most days in Addis Ababa. When we drove to the top of Entoto Natural Park on our visit there last December, we were fortunate to have a relatively clear day. The view from near the church at the top of the mountain is quite spectacular. My photos on this post don’t really do the scene justice.
Although it was a clear day with lovely sunshine, the air was very crisp and even cold. Not surprising, really, seeing the altitude is about 3200 metres. Fortunately there was very little breeze, so we were able to enjoy our wandering around the beautiful church grounds as well as inspecting the old kings’ palace next door. Photos of both will follow in a few days’ time.
View of Addis Ababa from Entoto Natural Park
Entoto Maryam Church, Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa
Entoto Maryam Church, Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa
On our trip to the top of Mount Entoto near Addis Ababa our driver stopped at the magnificent Entoto Maryam Church, shown in the photos on today’s post. This Ethiopian Orthodox Church was built in 1876 by Emperor Menelik II. His palace is on the same grounds; I will show photos of the palace and grounds in coming posts on this site.
Also of interest nearby is the Emperor Menelik Museum.
Entoto Maryam Church, Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa
Entoto Maryam Church, Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa