World Heritage Sites within Ethiopia

Within Ethiopia there are eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, equal to or more than any other country in Africa. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) selects sites that are of special cultural or physical significance.

Below is a listing, by category, of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia with the dates that they were inscribed.

CULTURAL:

Askum, Tigray Region, 1980

The ruins of the city of Aksum, dating from the 1st to the 13th century, mark the heart of ancient Ethiopia and what was the "most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia". It includes monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs, and ruins of former castles.

Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar, Amhara Region, 1979

The fortress was the residence of the Ethiopian emperors during the 16th and 17the century. The city remains, surrounded by a wall and featuring buildings with a Hindu and Arab influence, later transformed to a Baroque style by Jesuit missionaries.

Harar Jugol, Harari Region, 2006

The city is located on a plateau and surrounded by gorges and savanna. It contains 82 mosques, three from the 10th century, 102 shrines and exceptional interior design in the townhouses. It is said to be the fourth-holiest city of Islam.

Lower Valley of Awash, Afar Region, 1980

Palaentological findings from at least 4 million years ago, such as Lucy, give evidence of human evolution.

Lower Valley of Omo, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region, 1980

The prehistoric site near Lake Turkana is the location of many fossil findings, such as Homo gracilis.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Amhara Region, 1978

The site contains 11 medieval monolithic cave churches from the 13th century.

Tiya, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region, 1980

The archaeological site contains 36 monuments, including 32 carved stelae covered with symbols.

NATURAL:

Simien National Park, Amhara Region, 1978

Massive erosion on the Ethiopian plateau has created a spectacular landscape of jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m.