Axum, the source and seat of the ancient Ethiopia civilization, houses 7 giant steal/obelisks. Most of these giant obelisks have fallen and one of these has been taken to Rome during the Italian invasion in 1937. The Axum obelisk has been restituted to Ethiopia after many years of negotiations. The ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace and the Ark of covenant is believed to have been found all around Axum.

The ancient monastery of Debre-Damo dates back to early Axumite period and is considered to be the oldest church in the country. Unlike other monasteries and churches, Debre-Damo is built on the edge of a cliff accessible only a rope.

Lalibela, the eighth wonder of the world as many travelers and travel writers say, is Ethiopia’s prime tourist attraction. It is the site of eleven remarkable rock-hewn monolithic churches, believed to have been built by king Lalibela, in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century.

Gonder, situated in northwestern part of the country is the 17^th to 19^th century capital of Ethiopia. Its medieval glory is reflected in the famous castles of the emperors of the time. The town of Gondar has been the center of trade and culture.

Lake Tana which is about 200 kms south of Gondar has about 30 islands with several monasteries famous for their religious relics, sacred artifacts, and mummified remains of emperors, crowns and the Ark of the covenant.

The 19^th century French poet Arthur Rimbaud visited Harar and built and built a house for himself in the center of the walled city. The house is built of wood and brightly colored glasses.

The city of Harrar, one of the oldest cities in the country was founded in the 7^th century A.D. The importance of Harrar, however, came later between the 10^th and 11^th century, when it became an important center of the Islamic faith in the region, the historic wall surrounding the city has been built for defense during this time.

The palace of Aba jiffar is one of the most significant cultural attractions in western Ethiopia. The palace is situated on the mountain top, north of the town of Jimma, and from here visitors can take a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountain chains. The palace is built of wood and wooden material. Jimma museum, which is at the center of the town houses different traditional equipment of the region, such as furniture, and dresses of Aba Jiffar.

This religious shrine in Bale province, located on the edge of the wabe sheble River gorge, is considered by Ethiopian Muslims as the second Mecca. Muslim pilgrims gather from all over the country, usually in March and April for prayer, to partake in a ceremony organized in memory of their religious leader, who taught and preached islam at this very site 800 years ago.

Carved out of rock, and perched precariously across cliff faces, the remote churches and monasteries of the Tigray region are a fascinating look into religious life. The scenery here is ruggedly beautiful and some of the monasteries – reached by ladder and ropes – are not for the faint – of – heart to access. Other though, is easily reached by anyone with decent fitness. Tours can be arranged from Axum, or a combination of public transport and short hikes can get patient independent travelers too many of the sights.

It is an archeological site 52 kms south west of Addis Ababa on the Bank of Awash River, on the way to Butajira. Fossils and prehistoric tools dating back to more than one million years are found in this place.

Adadi Mariam is an underground church carved out of the surrounding soft rock. It is found 16 kms away from Melka Kunture on the way to Butajira. Numerous gates, windows and trenches are found around the church.

These stalae are located 20kms further from Adadi Mariam, a church believed to have been found between 12^th 15^th century. The 36 stalae, which are probably tomb stones are listed as world hertage by UNESCO.