Must-see attractions in Mekele

Martyrs’ Memorial

Mekele

From a distance, this memorial to the victims of the Derg could be mistaken for the world’s biggest golf ball and tee. From up close it’s another story,…

Yohannes IV Museum

Mekele

The Italian-designed stone palace built for Emperor Yohannes IV (r 1872–89) is now an interesting museum. Although the palace itself is undergoing a…

New Market

Mekele

The city's main market is busy but not Ethiopia's most interesting – its stallholders mostly sell modern household goods and the sort of clothes of…

Derg Bombing Monument

Mekele

Southwest of the ‘bazaar’, the intriguing monument in the roundabout is a memorial to the victims of the Derg bombing in Hawzien.

Church of Tekla Haimanot

Mekele

One of many churches that tower over the rooftops of central Mekele.

Lucy Park

Mekele

Small and slightly scruffy stand of green in the city centre.

Mikael Church

Mekele

Crowds of pilgrims throng here on St Mikael's saint day.

Nativity of Mary Catholic Cathedral

Mekele

The spiritual hub of Mekele's small Catholic community.

Kidane Mehret Church

Mekele

Large Orthodox church that rises above the clamour.

Enda Maryam Church

Mekele

An important landmark for the city's Christians.

Mosque

Mekele

The city's main mosque.