Next to St Maryam Church, this museum displays some surprising finds for such a nondescript regional town: crowns and clothing belonging to Menelik and Haile Selassie, as well as relics from the Battle of Adwa and a gold inlaid box that local legend says once contained the Ark of the Covenant. The site sits atop a rocky hill 600m south of the main road.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. St Maryam Church

0.33 MILES

St Maryam Church is Addis Alem's most interesting building. It stands out for its lavish decoration: the basilica’s exterior, as well as the maqdas (inner…

2. Menagesha National Forest

12.41 MILES

One of the prettiest stands of forest in Western Ethiopia, Menagesha National Forest is an easy day trip from Addis. Almost a dozen trails (up to 9km in…

3. Mt Menagesha

12.96 MILES

According to local tradition, Mt Menagesha (2800) is where many Ethiopian kings’ coronations were held. It’s best accessed from the Ambo road between…

4. Afewerk Tekle’s Home & Studio

21.82 MILES

A member of several international academies and with a drawer full of international decorations – about 100 at last count, including the British Order of…

5. Merkato

23.16 MILES

Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis' centre, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma…

7. St George Cathedral & Museum

24.04 MILES

Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint),…

8. Derg Monument

24.12 MILES

The towering Derg Monument is one of the more poignant reminders of the country’s painful communist rule. Topped by a massive red star and emblazoned with…

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