Tucked away in the heart of the Piazza, the old Italian district of Addis Ababa, lies the enchanting St. George Cathedral, one of Addis’ most beloved treasures. The St. George Cathedral was commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his extraordinary defeat of the Italians who fought to take over Ethiopia in 1896. The victory marked a huge success for Ethiopia. The nation was able to retain their sovereignty and today remains one of the few countries in Africa that has never been colonized.
The church was designed by Greek, Armenian and Indian artists and completed in 1911 named in the honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia, whose relic was actually carried in the 1896 battle against the Italians in Adwa.
Today, St. George cathedral and its museum are important places for Orthodox Christians and tourists alike to visit. While the outside of the cathedral is rather striking in its neoclassical, octagon-shaped structure, the inside is a true delight of brilliant stained-glass windows, colorful religious paintings and carpets. The museum next door holds some of the ancient relics of the church where the Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selaisse were crowned.
The glorious St. George cathedral’s neoclassical design is shaped in an octagon that covers the grounds.
The top of the church.
Inside the church, is a peaceful solitary oasis from the hectic, chaotic energy of Addis Ababa. The stained glass windows and religious artwork are breathtaking.
Outside the cathedral, people were relaxing with friends and reading quietly on benches around the lovely square. I loved the gorgeous blooming trees that reached for as far as the eye could see.
The museum is small and quirky but an interesting place to see.
Entering the museum which holds relics such as crowns, clothing and crosses from past emperors.
As you leave the tranquility of St. George’s cathedral and step out in the Piazza, there are vendors selling their wares, cafes and restaurants reminding you of the Italian influence. A stop at the famous Tomoca cafe is a must for perhaps the best expresso in all of Addis.
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee
This post is inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Relic. To see more entries, click here.
I was in Ethiopia in June as a reporting fellow with the International Reporting Project. To see all my stories from the trip, click here.
Beautiful church. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee! Do they still produce coffee?
Thanks Amy! Yes, Ethiopia is indeed the birthplace of coffee and it is THE BEST coffee I’ve ever had hands down anywhere. Sorry Paris, I always loved your coffee, but the Ethiopian coffee was magical. They even do a traditional coffee ceremony in homes where they roast the beans on a small fire, and prepare the freshest strongest brew I’ve ever had. Mmmmmm.
What lovely photos and so interesting to learn a little about the history of this country.
Thanks! I loved the trip. I’ve already written several posts about it but am not done as it was truly an eye-opening experience. As a mother too who has given birth it was hard to see the circumstances many of these women have in pre and postnatal care. Very eye-opening. I really loved Ethiopia and now am craving to see and explore more of Africa. The wanderlust will never stop!
What a trip you had Nicole 🙂
Yes it was truly amazing. I loved Ethiopia and now I am really wanting to see more of Africa. Such a big place with so much magic!
Such fascinating photos again, Nicole. The church is so beautiful, but the statue in the garden is what really caught my eye.
Thanks Sylvia! I thought it was lovely. I enjoy seeing churches which is funny as I’m not really religious. But usually they are so beautiful and so peaceful.
What Ana amazing collection of photos. Beautiful captures of the church especially .
Thanks! 🙂
Perhaps I should check my spelling a bit before hitting enter. Apologies.
No worries Sue! 🙂
Beautiful church ! And lucky u for having such a great roasted coffee bean experience
Thanks!
I am so enjoying your reflections on Ethiopia and learning new things with every one of your posts. It appears to be quite the land of contrasts. I never knew that Ethiopia is the only African nation that was never colonized. Thanks, Nicole.
So glad you are enjoying the posts! 🙂
A beautiful church Nicole! Did you visit Lalibela?
Thanks! No I did not visit Lalibela. Not enough time!
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