Historic Route
Historic Route
Axum
Axum lies in the northern province of Tigre, the cradle of Ethiopian culture. Axum is the oldest city in Ethiopia (it was the ancient capital) and is the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It is smaller than you might expect and rather inauspicious on first impression, but it does boast some stunning antiquities. In addition to Axum's historical importance, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free atmosphere and can go about their business in virtual peace.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
Mekelle, Tigray
Mekele is the capital of Tigre and one of the largest towns in Ethiopia. It is the smartest and arguably the most rapidly developing town in the country. Mekele is a likeable place, with good facilities and the welcoming air that is so typical of Tigre, and although it lacks bona fide tourist attractions, it would be just about the perfect place to break for a day between long bus trips or rest up after a few days hiking in Gheralta.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
Lalibela
Perched at an altitude of 2630m, among the wild craggy mountains of Lasta and vast rocky escarpments, there is a stark cathedral-like grandeur to Lalibela, a strange, isolated town famed for its rock-hewn churches.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
Lake Tana
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and it is also the source of the Blue Nile, a fact that may explain many of Ethiopia's links with the ancient world. Even today the papyrus tankwa that sail the lake bare a striking resemblance to the boats of Ancient Egypt. The main tourist centre for the Tana area is Bahar Dar, which lies on the southern shore. The only other significant settlement is Gorgora, on the northern shore.
The Tana area is the traditional home of the Amhara, a Christian people. However Tana was also the homeland of the falashas who practised a form of Judaism that appears to have severed from the Jewish mainstream before 650BC. There are now few, if any, falasha people left in the Tana region: after centuries of persecution most of them were airlifted to Israel in 1991.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
Bahar Dar & Tississat Falls
Bahar Dar is a large town on the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake. Palm-lined avenues and pretty lakeside vistas make Bahar Dar a decidedly attractive town and it is also the base for visits to Tis Abay and Lake Tana's many monasteries.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
Gondar
Gondar is probably the most immediately impressive of Ethiopia's major ex-capitals, but it is perhaps less enduringly memorable than either Axum or Lalibela. Gondar is one of Ethiopia's largest cities, yet it has retained its friendly character and is generally considered to be one of the most welcoming towns on the 'tourist route'.
- Written by Super User
- Category: Historic Route
