Harar
Harar’s old walled town (known as Jugal) is a fascinating place that begs exploration. The thick, 5m-high walls running 3.5km around town were erected in…
Must-see attractions in Harar
Harar
Located north of Fallana Gate, this is one of Harar's two hyena feeding stations. A highlight of any visit to Harar, this impressive spectacle begins…
Harar
One of Harar's two infamous hyena feeding sites, it is located about 1.5km east of Erer Gate (near the garbage dump). This site is usually more productive…
Harar
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…
Ras Tafari's House & Sherif Harar City Museum
Harar
Close to Rimbaud’s House, the conspicuous Ras Tafari’s House was built by an Indian trader and many of its features, such as the Ganesh carving above the…
Harar
The tomb of Sheikh Abadir, Harar’s legendary founder and second emir, is an important pilgrimage site. His tomb still attracts worshippers seeking…
Harar
The Smugglers’ Market is chock-full of counterfeit clothing and electronics (some real stuff, too) from China. Most of it is smuggled in from Somaliland…
Harar
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…
Harar
The main square is a bustling place with several minor points of interest. Most conspicuous is the monument to those who died fighting against Menelik’s…
Harar
Elbow your way through the Shoa Gate Market (also known as the Christian Market) to find etan (incense) from the Jijiga area; it’s used in the famous…
Harar
Near the Shoa Gate Market is the Recycling Market where men repair metal materials and beat scrap into useful utensils. The whole area is undergoing a…
Harar
Gidir Magala (previously known as the Muslim market) is the main market and the city’s biggest butchery. Watch how the locals hide their meat purchases…
Harar
One of just two churches in Old Harar, St Mary Catholic Church is a haven of peace and a good spot if you need to unwind. It’s a French Catholic mission…
Harar
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…
Harar
Leading southeast from Feres Magala, this narrow, atmospheric street is jam-packed with tailors’ workshops, which is how it came to be called ‘Sewing…
Harar
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…
Harar
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.
Harar
In the centre of Ras Makonnen Sq stands a rather Italian-looking, equestrian statue of the ras (duke) cast in bronze by the well-known Amhara artist…
Harar
You don’t come to this place below Mikael Church for the graves, but for the excellent views of the old town from the road below them. Photography is best…
Harar
Said Ali Hamdogn was an important 12th-century religious leader. His whitewashed tomb can easily be visited; it looks a little like a miniature mosque…
Harar
Built by the Czechs in 1984 and purchased by Heineken in 2011, this is a very modern brewery. Tours are sometimes available in the morning – contact local…
Harar
At the eastern end of the old town, Erer Gate was the one Richard Burton entered in 1854, disguised as an Arab merchant. The chat market is found here.
Harar
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.
Harar
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.
Harar
This modest museum across the road from Ras Makonnen’s Palace hosts household artefacts, traditional costumes, weapons and jewellery.
Harar
North of Fallana Gate the weekday livestock market features cows, goats and sheep, but no camels – these are sold at Babille.
Harar
This church doesn't really deserve a gander, but it's a useful landmark off the main thoroughfare.
Harar
This small mosque right in the heart of the old town is a useful landmark.
