- Address: Churchill Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Denomination: Ancient Eastern Christianity
- Year of foundation: 1896
In the capital of Ethiopia is the cathedral church of St. George's (Saint George's Cathedral), which is famous for its unusual octagonal form. The temple has a rich history and plays an important role in the life of the Orthodox population.
Description of the shrine
In the capital of Ethiopia is the cathedral church of St. George's (Saint George's Cathedral), which is famous for its unusual octagonal form. The temple has a rich history and plays an important role in the life of the Orthodox population.
Description of the shrine
The design of the cathedral involved a famous architect named Sebastiano Castagna (Sebastiano Castagna), and it was built in 1896 by POWs Italians, who were captured in the Battle of Adua. The church was built in the Neo-Gothic style, while the facade of the building was done in gray and light brown color, and the walls and floors were decorated with various paintings and mosaics created by foreign artists.
The church received its name after the Ark of the Covenant (or tabot) from this temple was brought to the battlefield, after which the Ethiopian army won a crushing victory. This was the only time in world history when in a major battle the African troops completely routed the Europeans.
Events in the history of the cathedral
In 1938, in one of the Italian editions, the Church of St. George, located in Addis Ababa , was described as a magnificent building: "This is a vivid example of the European interpretation of design in the traditional Ethiopian temple."
During the Second World War, the fascists burned this cathedral, and in 1941 it was completely restored by order of the emperor. St. George's Cathedral has a rich history. Here there were such important events as coronations.
In 1917, Empress Zaudit gained power in the church, and in 1930 the emperor Haile Selassie the First ascended the throne. He was considered the chosen God and called the king of kings. Since then, the church has become a place of pilgrimage for Rastafarians.
What to see in the temple?
On the territory of the cathedral there is a historical museum in which such expositions are kept:
- weapons used in battles with Italians: tridents, curved swords, huge helmets that were made from the mane of a lion;
- the imperial throne;
- paraphernalia intended for coronation.
In the courtyard of the church of St. George there is a sculpture of the Great Martyr, who was killed in 1937. Nearby is a bell, donated to the temple of Nicholas II. During the tour of the cathedral, tourists can see:
- Ancient stained glass windows that adorn the windows. They were depicted by Afakeork Tekle, a well-known artist in Ethiopia.
- Huge pictures and icons that occupy all the walls.
- Ancient manuscripts and church documents.
Features of visit
The cathedral has a relatively small area, it can accommodate about 200 people. In the courtyard of the shrine there are always many believers who did not enter the temple, they have to pray outside. Near the entrance are women and children, selling a variety of souvenirs , incense, candles and national products.
It's best to come to St. George's church in the morning. The entrance fee is about $ 7.5. On a tour of the temple allowed every day from 08:00 to 09:00 and from 12:00 to 14:00. At this time, not so crowded, but inside the room is light enough. Before entering the cathedral, all visitors should take off their shoes, and women will need to wear skirts and headscarves.
How to get there?
The Church of St. George is in Addis Ababa on Churchill Road. From the center of the capital, you can get here by road number 1 or through the streets of Menelik II Ave and Ethio China St. The distance is about 10 km.