Photo credit: © National Archives of Canada

Pavilion of Ethiopia

The Pavilion of Ethiopia is a cone-shape and colorful - purple and red with golden decorations - reminiscent of the ceremonial umbrellas of the priests of the ancient Ethiopian city of Axum.

It is on the Ile Notre-Dame east of the island's Expo-Express station. At its pinnacle revolves a heraldic lion.

At the head of the access staircase - flanked by lions representing the 13 provinces of the empire - visitors look down on a replica of the Church of St. George at Lalibella, its interior containing the Crowns of Axum, 1,000 silver crosses and other objects d'art.

Animals and birds native to Ethiopia are displayed. Slides show scenes of Ethiopia, and the interior roofing is covered with paintings on canvas that tell the history and the legends of Ethiopia.

Exhibits tell of the natural riches of Ethiopia, and the work of artists and artisans. A replica of the Imperial Throne of Ethiopia is on view.

In the bar and cafeteria visitors can enjoy famed Ethiopian coffee from Harrar and other specialties.

               

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