My first visit to a palace was Ankober Palace, in the North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State about a decade ago. A relatively small, two-story medieval structure, it sits atop a hill, built in a traditional Ethiopian architectural style. Ankober Palace’s prominence does not lie in its grandeur or sophistication but in its historical importance as the seat of the Shoan dynasty. Founded by Yekuno Amlak, it later became the power base of Haile Melekot, the father of Emperor Menelik II.

Menelik II eventually left Ankober, established Addis Abeba, and made it his capital, leaving Ankober to fade into historical obscurity. However, during its peak, Ankober Palace held great military and economic importance, positioned along key caravan routes passing through Ankober town and the thriving trade hub of Aliyu Amba. It also served as a strategic military outpost, offering a 360-degree view over vast lands stretching to the Afar lowlands.

My second palace visit took me far from Ethiopia, to Vienna, Austria, where I toured Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Unlike Ankober, Schonbrunn was a monumental architectural marvel, reflecting the power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which dominated central Europe for centuries. The palace boasts 1,400 rooms and sits on 400 acres of land, with its vast gardens being a major attraction.

Schonbrunn holds a unique historical connection to Ethiopia. One of its most famous occupants, Empress Maria Theresa, introduced the Maria Theresa Thaler, a silver coin that became a widely accepted currency across Ethiopia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. Maria Theresa was also the mother of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, who was guillotined alongside King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

A recent visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace revealed yet another architectural marvel, much like Schonbrunn in Vienna. Built on the grounds of the medieval Edo Castle and surrounded by moats to deter invaders, it echoed the strategic defensive purpose of Ankober Palace.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace spans 284 acres, covered in pristine Japanese gardens and dense forests. Exploring its vast grounds took nearly an entire day, yet we barely covered a fifth of the total area, despite walking for six to seven hours. The journey was physically exhausting, but the palace’s grandeur and historical richness made it an unforgettable experience.

On a Sunday afternoon, while driving along Menelik II Avenue, I had no idea what fate had in store for me. I noticed a few private motorists inquiring at the gate of the National Palace, also known as Iyobeliyu, the former seat of Emperor Haile Selassie I. It was unusual to see the palace grounds open to the public, so I stopped to ask.

To my surprise, the palace was open for visitors for a fee of 1,000 Br, with a two-hour guided tour. After a brief ten-minute wait, I was assigned a personal guide, as no other visitors joined.

We began in the vehicle gallery, which houses 17 of the 200 vintage cars once used by Ethiopian royalty. The first to catch my eye was a Fiat truck, designed for the emperor’s travels, complete with a bedroom, living room, office, and toilet.

Next was a sleek black limousine, reminiscent of a James Bond film, its wide body and elegant design exuding sheer power. The collection featured more exotic cars, including Cadillacs, Rolls-Royces, and Chryslers, all in top roadworthy condition. A white Cadillac ambulance accompanied the royal family on their travels.

One of the most surprising finds was a seemingly simple Porsche, which concealed a remarkable secret; it was equipped with propellers that, when deployed, transformed it into an amphibious car.

The surprises continued with a royal rail coach, custom-built for the Emperor. Furnished with luxurious suites, it featured a bedroom for the Emperor and Empress, a kitchen, a dining hall, a meeting room, and restrooms, a mobile palace allowing the emperor to work and relax while on the move.

We then stepped outside into idyllic gardens, surrounded by indigenous vegetation and a landscape that reflected meticulous planning and expert craftsmanship. At the centre stood the main palace, its creamy-white facade adorned with graceful monuments and sculptures. The symmetrical design and expansive front facade bore a striking resemblance to Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.

Inside, a grand hallway led to two reception halls, mirroring each other in their elegance. A glimpse into the restricted areas revealed exquisite chandeliers, red Persian carpets, and finely crafted wooden furnishings, creating the illusion of a dreamlike castle.