BY DUANE WELLS
For travelers looking for authenticity, history, and adventure all in one destination, Addis Ababa delivers. With Ethiopian Airlines’“ Stopover at Addis” package, travelers with long layovers can enjoy hotel stays, ground transportation, and the chance to explore a cultural treasure that’ s more than just a stop— it’ s a revelation. Ethiopian Airlines provides nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport( ADD) seven times a week, making it easier than ever to discover the heart and soul of Ethiopia.
ADDIS ABABA: THE CRADLE OF HUMANITY’ S MODERN CAPITAL
Travelers tend to be either traditional tourists or adventurous explorers, but rarely both. For those looking for something beyond the ordinary, Addis Ababa serves as a compelling destination that combines both worlds.
More than just Africa’ s political capital— home to key diplomatic institutions, sprawling markets, and busy streets lined with stunning cathedrals— Addis Ababa symbolizes Ethiopia’ s unique place in African history. As the only civilization on the continent that never fell to colonial rule, it provides visitors with unmatched insights into Africa’ s genuine heritage, making it a must-visit for anyone truly interested in understanding the continent’ s true soul. Simply put, if cities could speak, Addis Ababa would resonate with the voices of centuries, blending the ancient with the modern and the sacred with daily life.
MORNING: MUSEUMS ARE WINDOWS TO ETHIOPIA’ S SOUL
There is perhaps no better place to start exploring this“ New Flower”— the literal translation of Addis Ababa— than in the repositories of the country’ s cultural and historical heritage: its museums and cathedrals.
No visit to Addis Ababa would be complete without visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia, a treasure chest of the country’ s history. The museum is best known for displaying a replica of“ Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old hominid skeleton whose discovery in the Afar region has greatly enhanced our understanding of human evolution. In addition to Lucy’ s famous remains, the museum features royal regalia, ancient manuscripts, and religious artifacts that highlight why Ethiopians proudly call their homeland the“ Cradle of Humanity.”
Meanwhile, nestled in the leafy grounds of Addis Ababa University just uphill, the Ethnological Museum offers a unique kind of historical exploration. Located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, the museum provides detailed insights into Ethiopia’ s more than 80 ethnic groups and their distinct cultures. Visitors can explore exhibits displaying traditional clothing, musical instruments, and cultural rituals, as well as view the carefully preserved Imperial bedroom once used by the emperor. Additionally, the palace itself is an important historical artifact, offering context not only about the life of Ethiopia’ s last reigning emperor but also about the country’ s post-Imperial era.
MIDDAY: SACRED SPACES AND CORNERSTONES OF FAITH
The city’ s legacy goes far beyond its museums and the grandeur of past rulers. Religious heritage is a cornerstone of Addis Ababa, and the ornate splendor of the city’ s churches is impossible to miss.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, built to commemorate victory over Italian occupation in 1942, is widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Addis. It serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, Empress Menen Asfaw, and many patriots of the Italian resistance. Featuring a striking mix of influences, the cathedral’ s stained-glass windows and murals tell Ethiopia’ s Orthodox story.
Nearby, St. George’ s Cathedral— commissioned by Emperor Menelik II— reveals another chapter of Ethiopian resilience. Dedicated to the country’ s patron saint after the historic victory at Adwa in March 1896 that secured Ethiopia’ s sovereignty, it features octagonal architecture adorned with icons and relics from Menelik’ s reign.
The grandeur continues at Medhane Alem Cathedral, known for its towering dome and detailed towers that dominate the city skyline. As one of Africa’ s largest Orthodox churches, Medhane Alem’ s interior murals combine Ethiopian artistic traditions with Orthodox iconography, creating a uniquely African Christian style. The cathedral’ s museum displays crowns and royal regalia, providing a direct link to the city’ s Imperial history.
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 16 AUTUMN 2025