Mekelle · City · History
Yohannes IV Palace
A stone castle with crenellated towers, built for the emperor who made Mekelle his capital, and now a museum of his reign.
Built 1882–84MuseumTerrace viewCloses ~6pm
Photo: Pexels
A stone castle with crenellated towers, built for the emperor who made Mekelle his capital, and now a museum of his reign.
Emperor Yohannes IV, a Tigrayan, ruled Ethiopia from 1872 to 1889 and made Mekelle his capital. His palace was built in 1882–84 by the Italian architect Giacomo Naretti.
It is a castle in stone, with towers and battlements, standing on a rise above the old town.
Today it is the Atse Yohannes Museum. Inside are the emperor's throne, his bed, ceremonial robes and crowns, and the rifles of his guard.
The terrace looks out over the rooftops of the old town. The museum closes around 6pm.
An hour, ideally late afternoon.
Walk up through the gardens to the castle walls.
The seat of the court, with crowns and regalia.
The emperor's bed and his ceremonial clothing.
Weapons of the imperial guard.
Look over the old town as the light softens.
On the edge of the old town; walk or take a bajaj from the centre.
A small entry fee in birr; check opening days locally.
Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
