Harar National Museum


This modest museum across the road from Ras Makonnen’s Palace hosts household artefacts, traditional costumes, weapons and jewellery.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ras Makonnen’s Palace

0.03 MILES

Don’t expect a fairy-tale castle. This late-19th-century ‘palace’ is a sharp-edged, charmless building. You can climb to the top floor and soak up the…

2. Emir Nur’s Tomb

0.03 MILES

Emir Nur’s Tomb resembles a spiky green beehive. It’s devoted to the ruler who built the city’s walls, and his wife is also buried inside. You enter the…

3. Queen Taitu's Palace

0.05 MILES

What is called Queen Taitu’s Palace, next door to Ras Makonnen's Palace, was neatly restored and now shelters a training centre for craft makers.

4. Medhane Alem Cathedral

0.07 MILES

On the east side of Feres Megala is this rather unimpressive cathedral, built by Ras Makonnen in 1890 on the site of an Egyptian mosque.

5. Arthur Rimbaud Center

0.07 MILES

Near the middle of the walled city, and often mistakenly called Rimbaud’s House, is this museum dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud with a series of…

6. Jamia Mosque

0.08 MILES

Harar’s great mosque is the only one inside the wall big enough to host both men and women. The mosque was built in the 16th century, though according to…

8. Fallana Gate Market

0.08 MILES

This attractive gate to the north is the site of a colourful market. A chat market, one of many in the city, is also found here.

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