Ādwa (or Adowa or Aduwa)

Town of Tigré province, Ethiopia, and former capital until 1889 when Addis Ababa became the new capital; population (1994) 24,500. Situated at an altitude of 1,910 m/6,270 ft, it lies about 130 km/ 80 mi south of Asmara, Eritrea, and 180 km/110 mi southwest of the port of Massawa. The town is an important market centre for grain, animal hides, coffee, and honey.

The Ethiopians decisively defeated the Italians here under General Baratieri on 1 March 1896, thus securing recognition of Ethiopian independence.

The town lies at a major road junction linking the town with Aksum and Adi Grat in Ethiopia and with Asmara in Eritrea. Notable buildings include nearby ruins of the 16th- and 17th-century headquarters of the Portuguese Jesuits at Fremona.