Architectural Heritage in Ethiopia

The book presents the survey and the restoration projects of two fabulous imperial compounds in Ethiopia: the castle of Emperor Yohannes IV in Mekele, in the northern region of Tigray, and the Gebbi (palace) of Emperor Menelik II in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia – and, by far, its largest metropolis. The author provides a short historic outline of modern Ethiopia since 1867 and an accurate description of the two complexes and of the cities that host them, the construction of the Gebbi being practically coincident with the foundation of Addis Ababa. This valued architectural heritage is of seminal importance for Ethiopia: every nation needs deep and meaningful cultural roots, and its built heritage works as the nation’s soul, it physically represents its cultural spirit. No country is able to confidently look at the future without respecting its own past. Studying, surveying, restoring, opening these compounds to the public (the one in Mekele has already served as a museum) and transforming them into the active focus of the cultural, political and touristic life of the two cities, showing the lavish collections of imperial memorabilia now hidden into archives and warehouses, will provide the noblest future for these magnificent architectural ensembles, silent witnesses of Ethiopian history.