St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa Church

Address: Near Arat Kilo / Addis Ababa city centre

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.

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).

• 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.