UNESCO world heritage sites are places of importance natural or cultural heritage as described in the UNESCO world heritage convention, established in 1975. Ethiopia ratified the convention as one of the first countries on July 6 1977, making its historical sites eligible for inclusion in the list.
Sites in Ethiopia were first inscribed on the list at the second session of the world heritage committee held in Washington DC, in 1978. At the session, two sites were added: The Rock-Hewn Churches and The Simien Mountain National Park.
As of July 2014, Ethiopia has nine sites inscribed on the list.
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Registered in 1978
Located in the Amhara region, this site boasts of 11 monolithic cave churches that were built in the 13th century by king Lalibela.
Simien Mountains National Park
Registered in 1978
It was recognized for being home for many endemic and endangered species living including the Wala ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Fasil Ghebbi
Registered in 1979
Is located in Gondar, consists of eight components. The palace being the main site in the compound. The other seven- monastery, church, thermal area,bath and a palace- are within the city of Gondar.
Lower Valley of Awash
Registered in 1980
This is the place where archaeologists discovered 52 skeletal fragments in 1974 and named these fragments of bones Lucy or in the local language (Amharic) "Dinknesh"- meaning you are wonderful.
Lower Omo Valley
Registered in 1980
Located near Lake Turkana, the most notable fossil discovered is the Homo Gracilis which becomes fundamentals in the study of human history and evolution.
Aksum
Registered in 1980
The city marked as the heart of ancient Ethiopia that also reflects the power of the kingdom at that time. There are several ruins in the ancient city that includes royal tombs, ancient castle ruins, monolithic obelisks and giant stelae.
Tiya Stelae
Registered in 1980
It has 36 monuments with 32 carved stelae marked with symbols. Many of these symbols were not known and researchers are trying to discover what these symbols meant.
Harar, Jegoul, the Fortified Historic Town
Registered in 2006
This town is culturally significant in Ethiopia as it showcases the fusion of Islamic and African traditions in a single town. Harar is the 4th holy city for Muslims.
Konso Cultural Landscape
Registered in 2011
It is an arid property of stone-walled terraces and fortified settlements.
Come to witness this unique country which offers many breathtaking sites.