St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa
Church Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral and national religious site
An Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa, St. George’s hosts liturgies and houses religious art; visitors explore its octagonal plan and associated museum to see icons, crowns and church history linked to Ethiopia’s monarchy.
St. George’s Cathedral is an Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral in central Addis Ababa, notable for its octagonal plan and role in the city’s religious life. The building dates from the late 19th to early 20th century and is an important local pilgrimage and parish site.
The cathedral complex includes a museum that displays religious objects, liturgical items, and objects associated with Ethiopian royalty and church history. The museum collection provides context for Ethiopian Orthodox practice and liturgical art.
Constructed during the period of rapid growth of Addis Ababa in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the cathedral has served as a major place of worship and has been maintained as an active church throughout modern times. It has also been associated with national religious ceremonies.
The cathedral is located in central Addis Ababa, within the city’s older core, and is readily reached from other central landmarks and government buildings in the Addis Ababa administrative area.
- Architecture and museum: The cathedral is octagonal in plan and includes a small museum with church treasures and historical objects related to the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
- Visitor note: Located in central Addis Ababa, it is often included on walking routes that visit nearby historic sites and government buildings.
How to Get to St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa #
The cathedral is in central Addis Ababa near Arat Kilo and the National Palace. Taxis and minibus routes from Meskel Square or Bole are common; it’s walkable from many central hotels (10-20 minutes depending on start point).
Tips for Visiting St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa #
- Time a visit to coincide with an Orthodox ceremony to observe the cathedral's ritual rhythm and chant.
- Don't miss the small museum rooms adjacent to the nave where imperial gifts and coronation vestments are displayed.
- Respect photo restrictions - some services and relics are off-limits for photography.
Best Time to Visit St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa #
Visit outside the brief wettest months for easier walking and fewer disruptions to services.
Weather & Climate near St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa #
St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1139 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (251 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.