Holy Trinity Cathedral Religious Site
Addis Ababa cathedral housing Ethiopian Orthodox relics
Addis Ababa's Holy Trinity Cathedral, built in the mid‑20th century, functions as Ethiopia's principal Orthodox cathedral and contains tombs of national figures-visited for religious ceremonies and historical displays.
Holy Trinity Cathedral at a Glance#
Address: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Arat Kilo area, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hours: Daily daylight hours; service times vary (Sunday services typically in the morning).
Admission: Free to enter most days; special services and events may have charges.
About Holy Trinity Cathedral#
Holy Trinity Cathedral is the principal cathedral of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Addis Ababa and one of the city’s major religious buildings. It is noted for its association with modern Ethiopian history and for housing the tombs of several national figures.
The cathedral interior features traditional Ethiopian Orthodox iconography, painted ceilings and ornate altars, and the site includes the imperial tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen. A museum on the grounds displays ecclesiastical objects, regalia and items connected with the cathedral’s 20th-century history.
The cathedral sits in central Addis Ababa and functions as both an active place of worship and a site of national commemoration.
- Religious and national role: The cathedral is the principal seat of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Addis Ababa and combines religious functions with national memorials.
What to See#
- Imperial tombs: The imperial tombs and crypts contain the remains of Emperor Haile Selassie and other prominent Ethiopian figures and are a focal point for visitors.
- Museum: A small museum and display area adjacent to the cathedral houses religious objects, vestments and material relating to Ethiopia’s imperial period and the cathedral’s history.
How to Get to Holy Trinity Cathedral#
Holy Trinity Cathedral is in central Addis Ababa near the Arat Kilo area and is a short drive from Meskel Square. Taxis and local minibuses (blue and orange) serve the area; the city is pedestrian‑dense near the cathedral but driving is the most convenient method for most visitors.
Tips for Visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral#
- Arrive for Sunday morning services to hear the cathedral choir - it is a local institution with powerful acoustics.
- Look for the memorials and stained glass windows; several commemorate Ethiopian national figures and resistance movements.
Best Time to Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral#
The dry season (October-February) is the best time for city visits and cultural exploration with milder temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Holy Trinity Cathedral#
Holy Trinity Cathedral's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 8° - 23° | 16° | 17 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.5h |
| February | Excellent | 10° - 24° | 17° | 40 mm | some cloud | 51% | 2.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 11° - 24° | 18° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 2.5 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 11° - 24° | 18° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Very Good | 11° - 24° | 18° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 21° | 15° | 249 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 21° | 15° | 264 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 10° - 21° | 16° | 154 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Excellent | 9° - 22° | 16° | 41 mm | some cloud | 70% | 1.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Excellent | 8° - 22° | 15° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.6h |
| December | Excellent | 8° - 22° | 15° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.5h |
