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The "Portuguese Bridge" near Debre Libanos in the Oromia Region is a three-arched footbridge that locals claim dates to the 17th, or even the 16th, century (a period when Portugal assisted the Ethiopian monarchy). In fact, it was built in the early 19th century by Ethiopians, although in the old Portuguese style. The gushing cascade downstream from the bridge in the rainy season (July-September) makes for an impressive view.

The

The "Portuguese Bridge" near Debre Libanos in the Oromia Region is a three-arched footbridge that locals claim dates to the 17th, or even the 16th, century (a period when Portugal assisted the Ethiopian monarchy). In fact, it was built in the early 19th century by Ethiopians, although in the old Portuguese style. This is an upstream view.

The

National treasures - reliquaries, crowns, and an ancient velum book - from the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum. The church also claims to contain the Ark of the Covenant, but only a single guardian monk, appointed for life, may view and pray before the Ark.

National treasures - reliquaries, crowns, and an ancient velum book - from the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum. The church also claims to contain the Ark of the Covenant, but only a single guardian monk, appointed for life, may view and pray before the Ark.

The Royal Enclosure or Fasil Ghebbi (Fasil’s Enclosure) is the remains of a fortress city in Gondar. Founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides (Fasil), it was the home of Ethiopia's emperors. Its unique architecture shows diverse influences including Arab, Hindu, Nubian, and Baroque. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Royal Enclosure or Fasil Ghebbi (Fasil’s Enclosure) is the remains of a fortress city in Gondar. Founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides (Fasil), it was the home of Ethiopia's emperors. Its unique architecture shows diverse influences including Arab, Hindu, Nubian, and Baroque. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

King Ezana's Stela is a 21-m (69-ft) tall obelisk in the ancient city of Axum. The monument, which dates to the 4th century A.D., stands at the center of the Northern Stelae Park along with hundreds of smaller and less decorated stelae. It is decorated with a false door at its base, and apertures resembling windows on all sides. The obelisk’s semi-circular apex used to be enclosed by metal frames. In 2007-08, the stela was structurally consolidated and today is braced to prevent its leaning any further.

King Ezana's Stela is a 21-m (69-ft) tall obelisk in the ancient city of Axum. The monument, which dates to the 4th century A.D., stands at the center of the Northern Stelae Park along with hundreds of smaller and less decorated stelae. It is decorated with a false door at its base, and apertures resembling windows on all sides. The obelisk’s semi-circular apex used to be enclosed by metal frames. In 2007-08, the stela was structurally consolidated and today is braced to prevent its leaning any further.

Two ladies in national dress in front of the Lion of Judah Monument in Addis Ababa.

Two ladies in national dress in front of the Lion of Judah Monument in Addis Ababa.

The Lion of Judah Monument is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Addis Ababa. The statue, by sculptor Maurice Calka, was commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie and erected in front of the National Theater in 1954.

The Lion of Judah Monument is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Addis Ababa. The statue, by sculptor Maurice Calka, was commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie and erected in front of the National Theater in 1954.

Main gate of the Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa.

Main gate of the Imperial Palace, Addis Ababa.

Equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa. Menelik is remembered for leading Ethiopian troops against the Kingdom of Italy in the First Italo-Ethiopian War, where he scored a decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 and secured Ethiopian independence.

Equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa. Menelik is remembered for leading Ethiopian troops against the Kingdom of Italy in the First Italo-Ethiopian War, where he scored a decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896 and secured Ethiopian independence.

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