Unity Park is located in the premises of the Grand Place. It is compos of various historical, natural and cultural sites. Unity Park includes
many historical buildings that were constructed during the establishment of
the Grand Place, a Zoo for wild animals, pavilions which showcase the cultural,
historical and natural treasures of the different regions in Ethiopia, a garden
with indigenous horticulture, a green area and a courtyard. Unity Park also
includes a playground where children can stay while their parents or
guardians visit the park’s many attractions
The Grand
Palace and Unity Park
The grand palace, where the Unity Park is located. Was established
in 1887 by the then King of Shoa, Menelik II, and his wife, Empress Taytu
Betul. The total area of the Grand Palace is forty hectares. This area includes
the compound, which is traditionally called Tiyet Bet, the Ba’eta Mariam Church
and the Saint Gabriel Church.
The site of the Grand Palace was chosen for its proximity to Finfine
hot water springs and its location on higher ground, which would enable
effective control over the surroundings. It is historically evident that ancient
kings of Ethiopia usually selected highland areas to establish their palaces.
According to the study conducted by the Ministry of Culture in 1983. Prior to
the establishment of the Grand Palace, residents of the area used to call the
neighbourhood “Tulu Finfine” The view from the green area in the park shows that
the Grand Palace is still located on the high ground of the city of Addis Ababa.
Since 1887, seven Ethiopian leaders, without counting Prime Minister
Abiy Ahmed, have administered Ethiopia from the Grand Palace. These are Emperor
Menelik, Lij Eyasu Michael, Empress Zewditu Menelik, Emperor Haile Selassie,
Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne
The construction of Unity Park started in 2018 after the coming to
power of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. All the new sites within Unity Park were
accessible by cliffs. Scholars have been involved in the study of the historical
significance of the buildings and on ways to make Unity Park suitable for
Visitors.
Sites in Unity
Park
Unity Park is composed of six sites. These include the Black Lion
Cave, indigenous plants’ location, and regional pavilions, a green area, a Zoo
and a series of historical buildings.
With the exception of the historical buildings, the five other sites
have been recently developed with great diligence and day –to-day effort.
1. Locate the Black Lions
During this tour, visitors will have the opportunity to see
Ethiopia’s famed black-maned lion. The black lions will be seen wandering around
a magnificent cave which has a 175-meter length. The black lion comes from the
vicinity of Bale and Deddessa.
2.
Location of indigenous
Plants
Visitors will see different kinds of indigenous plants used for
medicine, food, and beauty in this location. Visitors will encounter traditional
cabins. Mud houses and walkways were not built using modern machinery.
3.
Pavilions of the Regions
One of must see destinations in Unity Park is the pavilions of
the regions of the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The pavilions will
introduce visitors to the natural, cultural and historical riches of each
region. The pavilions will provide the most important information about the
regions through video, paintings and other cultural resources. The method is
intended to create a sense of hope and inspiration for visitors through a well-researched and stylish presentation.
4.
Green area
This is an area where visitors can hike trails and explore
attractions found only in Ethiopia’s highlands. The area also provides the
opportunity to get a downside view of parts of the city of Addis Ababa. To reach
its current level of the green area. It was needed to transport 6,000 carloads. In this green area, paintings reflecting Ethiopia’s diverse natural
resources are included.
5.
Historical Buildings and Settings
The Great Palace is also known as the “Menelik Palace” The palace
has hosted numerous national and international events over the past 130 years.
The compound and surroundings of these historical events include eminent
squares, Palaces and buildings.
Among these visitors will have
the opportunity to see the “Front Gate” the “Alamata Gate” the public hall
known as the “Dega Arasa” the “The Banquet Hall” the “Throne House” which would become the Derg’s meeting complex
and prison, “The Menelik Hall” the “Menelik Office” the “Egg
House” the “private Court of Empress Taytu Betul” the office of Fitawrari Habte
Giorgis Dinagde, the sleeping rooms of princes, meeting complexes for the
Council of Ministry and the “Crown Court”
6.
The Unity Zoo
The zoo is an exciting home to a wide variety of animals, including
around 30 different species and around 220 animals in total. This excludes the
fish living in the man-made marine habitat. The giraffe, the cheetah and
various birds are included in the zoo.
