Unity Park located within the National Palace of Ethiopia, embodies generational legacy of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. Prime minster Dr Abiy has announced that The Park will be open to the public as of October 11, following the October 10th launch
The National Palace was built under Emperor Menelik II over a century ago, the Palace rests on 40,000Sqm of land. For generations, it has been viewed as the epicenter of political power, where the most powerful family in the land resides. The renovated compound incorporates several sights of interest to visitors, including an arena, a playground, a zoo, three churches, House of Royals and an imperial banquet hall.
The Banquet Hall or commonly called ‘Gibir adarash’, was built during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. When it was constructed, it had a capacity to entertain almost 8000 guests at a time. Emperor Menelik used to organize feasts three times a week, not to mention the plentiful carousals during festive days. In 1963 following the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Emperor Haile Selassie had organized a feast for the founding fathers of OAU in this same Hall. In 2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, had arranged a 5-million-birr dinner as part of raising money for the project ‘Beautification of Addis Ababa’.
The “Throne Hall” or “Throne House” as it is also known is where Ethiopia’s monarchs would meet with the provincial lords of aristocratic backgrounds and royal lineage to discuss local issues and make important decisions on subjects such as land tax. On special occasions, the space was also used to welcome nobles and foreign dignitaries. Queen Elizabeth II of British, Charles De Gul of France and Joseph Broz Tito of Yugoslavia were only few of the distinguished world leaders to be received in this Hall during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie.During the Dergue regime the Throne House served as a meeting hall for the Dergue Central Committee in which numerous matters were deliberated, including the famous rural land expropriation proclamation and the decision to kill high officials of Emperor Haile Selassie. The Throne Hall is highly decorated with precious stuccos covering the walls and ceiling. It takes its name from the large, golden throne displayed in the center. There are plinths featuring the Star of David, the symbol of the Solomonic Dynasty, at the base of the columns supporting the canopy holding the crown. At the top, statues of angels extend their arms, expressing praise.Currently, the “Throne Hall” houses the main exhibition of Unity Park museum. The exhibition celebrates the history and culture of Ethiopia, a nation shaped by its ethnic and religious identities and its politics. It traces Ethiopia’s evolution through legends, cultural beliefs, various governments, and historical events- some of which took place here in Menelik palace.
Menelik Palace Complex refers to the octagonal structure and other collection of historical buildings that were built at the time of Emperor Menelik II. This Complex consists of private prayer room of Emperor Menelik II and the Emperor’s watching tower, Emperor Menelik II’s office, Menelik IIʼs bedroom and Reception Room, Etege Taytu Betul’s Bedroom, the Minister of War’s Waiting Room, The Princes’ Bedroom, Council of Ministers and a small banquet hall. The first telephone for the entire country was also installed to this building.
This section of the park is dedicated for preservation and exhibition of diverse types of fauna and flora of the country. Over 20 species of animals and plantations are parts of this extraordinary zoo.
ENTOTO NATURAL PARK is a park of serenity and resounding joy. It’s a UNIQUE PLACE TO DISCOVER the most breathtaking ancient mountain nature with streams flowing from clear springs and waterfalls. The Park lies on the south-eastern slopes of Mt Entoto, between the northern limit of the city of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 2,600 m and the track along the mountain ridge at altitude over 3,100 m.
As Fascinating and captivating as Entoto Natural Park is, it lacked the necessary infrastructures and stayed underdeveloped for long .To establish these necessary infrastructures and to make it a world-class visitor experience Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed initiated The Entoto Project alongside The Sheger River side projects . Built with great imagination and ingenuity, the planning and construction of the park was undergone by only Ethiopians in terms of Knowledge and finance.
Now Entoto Park is fully equipped with various indoor and outdoor facilities including sport centers, library, Entertainment, Restaurants and coffee shops, Artificial Lake and Fountains Walk ways, Bike, scooter and cart roots. Most of These facilities were constructed using local material so they blend in beautifully with the natural environment of the park. Entoto Natural Park will be significant in terms of facilitating service economies and changing the look and feel of the city of Addis Ababa.
Some interesting activities in Entoto Natural Park include:- A Paintball arena which is a safe heaven for everyone who enjoys a good game of paintball. A Horse riding ranch for both adults and children’s. Adults can follow a 3-5 kM trekking route on a horse back while children have their own horse riding arena with a trainer. Outdoor archery and in addition Entoto Park will include A Large Outdoor Amphitheatre that will be used for concerts theaters and live music.
Other Sights that can be seen on foot in the natural environment of Entoto Natural Park include views of Addis Abeba, Entoto Mariam Church, and the historical museum, Menelik’s Palace, two Kedus Raguel and Kedus Elias Churches from different eras, the Washa Mikael Church ruins, and runners training on the forest trails.
The new park will continue to be a particular interest to bird watchers with some 200 bird species registered in the mixed habitats of forest wood land, rock sloop cliffs and marshes. Of the total species recorded The Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galiniei) and Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) are endemic to Ethiopia.
We invite you to Experience the park with its ability to produce a genuine and powerful creative joy where many families can reunite and rejoice in being free from stress and regaining health as well as stimulation.
Sheger park is part of the 58 kilometers long Entot-Akaki Riverside Beautification project and This lush park is peaceful and immaculately maintained. Although most of the trees are eucalyptus, a wide range of flowers grows in the sunshine between the trees. Park visitors can wander down the hill on the stone path or take the meandering paths through the sides of the park. Unlike most other green spaces in Addis, it isn’t cordoned off into sections, and the bottom of the hill opens onto a lawn dotted with benches.
In the morning, the irrigation channels give the illusion of filling the park with narrow streams. The western edge of the park is still a natural forest. Overall, the park is a lovely place to read, picnic, or take photographs.
It is conscientiously undergoing renovations and expansion while working to maintain a pristine feel. Upon entering the compound through a dark green gate that says “welcome” the park itself is to the left through the gate past the tennis court.
Addis Ababa city with a lot of charm and interesting historical facts, it is the place where the Organization of the African Union was created 55 years ago. The city possesses a complex mix of highland climate zones, with temperature differences of up to 10°C (50° F), depending on elevation and prevailing wind patterns.
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