National Archives & Library of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa


Shelves groan under the weight of 20,000 books on Ethiopia. The English-language section is quite good.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Addis Ababa attractions

1. Derg Monument

0.25 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…

2. Lion of Judah Monument

0.55 MILES

Long the symbol of Ethiopia’s monarchy, the Lion of Judah is ubiquitous throughout the country – and although images of the almighty animal abound in…

3. Presidential Palace

0.79 MILES

This is where the Ethiopian president lives. Don't even think of taking a photo.

5. Africa Hall

1.03 MILES

Built in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall (near Meskal Sq) is the seat of the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Italian-designed…

6. 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum

1.06 MILES

‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…

7. Addis Ababa Museum

1.1 MILES

Despite only being founded on Addis' centenary in 1986, the Addis Ababa Museum is the city’s scruffiest museum. That said, perusing candid portraits of…

8. Bete Maryam Mausoleum

1.2 MILES

The Bete Maryam Mausoleum is located just south of Menelik’s palace and offers what could be an enchantingly eerie experience for travellers (were it not…