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ONE OR TWO DAYS FROM ADDIS ABABA; DEBRE LIBANOS AND PORTUGUESE BRIDGE
Description about the destinations
ADDIS ABABA
Addis Ababa is some 100 year old – found during the reign of the infamous Ethiopian ruler Menelik the second. Addis Ababa meaning “New Flower” is the seat of the continental organization, formerly known as organization for African Unity (OAU) and now as African Union (AU) and other regional and international organizations. Addis Ababa is one of the high altitude cities of Africa. It’s as high as from 2200 – 3200mts above sea level.
Addis Ababa is a prosperous and vibrant city there are dynamic markets, numerous attractions in the city. Tourists in the city can visit forested hillsides. There are many Worlds – Class Museums at Addis Ababa that reflect the rich history of the city and also the country Ethiopia
DEBRELIBANOS MONASTERY
Debre Libanos is a Monastery in Ethiopia, 103km Northwest of Addis Ababa. Founded in the thirteenth century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, according to the belief, he meditated in a cave for 29 years. The cave where he is supposed to have prayed for seven years standing on one foot is one of the sacred spots of Debre Libanos that pilgrims flock to. Perhaps because of the beginnings, Debre Libanos has been one of the most important and influential monasteries in the land while its titular head has been regarded as the premier monk of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abay River.
PORTUGUESE BRIDGE
Some 102km south of Addis Ababa and there is controversy about the origins of the so-called Portuguese Bridge. According to some, it was built in the 16th century by Portuguese; others say that it was built by Ras Darge (who was Menelik’s uncle) in the 19th century. After crossing the bridge, go to your left by the side of the river until you reach on a large rock suitable to view the seasonal waterfall.
TOUR CODE: RST/EXC2/0023
CATERGORY: One or Two Days from Addis Ababa; DEBRE LIBANOS AND PORTUGUESE BRIDGE
TRANSPORTATION: SURFACE
TOUR DURATION: 2DAY/1NIGHT
DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA
Arrive Addis Ababa from your international flight; check-in to your hotel, after taking some rest you will have city tour to Addis
NATIONAL MUSEUM: This comprises of many archaeological and historical findings, including the famous complete hominid fossil remains of “Lucy” locally known as Dinknesh meaning “wonderful”.
ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM: It is found in the main campus of Addis Ababa University by the Institute of Ethiopian Studies with the aim to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritages. It has a complete collection that describes almost all tribal groups in Ethiopia. Here you will have an overview about the history, culture and tradition of Ethiopian people.
SAINT GEORGE CATHEDRAL MUSEUM AND CHURCH: This octagonal church, which was built by Emperor Menilik II in 1896 in commemoration of Ethiopian victory over the Italian invaders at the Battle of Adwa. Here you will visit paintings by the Maitre Artist Afework Tekle, which decorated the interior wall, and glass window of the church and other ecclesiastical royal and cultural heritage of the past are displayed in cathedral’s small museum within the compound.
HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL CHURCH: known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest ranking Orthodox Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation and is the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia, after the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum.
MOUNT ENTOTO: It is the highest peak in Addis Ababa with an altitude of 3200 meter, and was the site for the first palace of Emperor Menilik II. Here one can see a small but fully displayed museum that shows articles of historical significance, denoted by members of royal family, foreign diplomats and individuals, as well as Saint Mary Church where Emperor Menilik II crowned as Emperor of Ethiopia in it and you will admire the panoramic view of the city with its surrounding forests and breathtaking air.
MERKATO: It is the largest open-air market in Africa, here you will be presented with confusing but fascinating glimpse of the very vast range of goods and artifacts available from all parts of the country and you will enjoy the Ethiopian trade exchange tradition in the open-air and you can purchase anything you need.
Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – DEBRE LIBANOS – PORTUGUESE BRIDGE
In the morning after you take breakfast, drive to Portuguese Bridge.
DEBRE LIBANOS: — Situated some 103 Km north of Addis Ababa
It is a holy place of Ethiopia which annually receives thousands of people on pilgrimage. His monastery was founded in the 13th century by the priest. Tekle Haimanot, today one of Ethiopia’s most revered saints. The present church was built in 1961 by Haile Selassie Nearby is called the 16th century Portuguese bridge.
PORTUGUESE BRIGE: — From Debre Libanos less than one km up the main road, turn right on a little rocky track. Follow the track for a short distance, then park the car and walk the rest of the way to the famous bridge. There is controversy about the origins of the so-called Portuguese Bridge. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese. The bridge is now considered to be Ethiopian in origin and still in use today. After crossing the bridge, go to your left by the side of the river until you reach on a large rock suitable to view the seasonal waterfall. The best time to see this is in the Ethiopian rainy season (July-September). You should see Galada Baboons, which are endemic in Ethiopia.
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