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St. George's Cathedral

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St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)

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St. George's Cathedral in Georgetown is recognized as one of the tallest free-standing wooden structures in the world and stands as a premier example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The construction of the present cathedral commenced in 1892 following the designs of British architect Sir Arthur Blomfield and was officially dedicated on August 24, 1894, with final completion achieved in 1899. The building is constructed almost entirely from native Greenheart timber, renowned for its exceptional durability against tropical decay and pests. Its interior features expansive arcades, intricate woodwork, and stained-glass windows depicting biblical narratives alongside local historical themes. Serving as the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Guyana, the cathedral is a designated national monument reflecting the country's colonial heritage and architectural craftsmanship. Despite the persistent challenges of high humidity and wood rot, extensive restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve its structural integrity and historical aesthetic.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The octagonal St. George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa is open for visits; the interior is accessible. Services are held, and visitors are welcome.
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Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon, with breaks for services. Exact times may vary depending on feast days.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed, but without flash during services. The unique octagonal architecture and chandeliers make great subjects.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Those wanting to explore the cathedral's history and significance to Ethiopia should plan for an hour.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby National Museum of Ethiopia and Menelik Palace. The Mercato market is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The cathedral is centrally located in Addis Ababa, near the Piazza district. Taxis and minibuses are the best modes of transport to get there.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral on an Orthodox feast day to experience the lively liturgy. Dress respectfully, shoulders and knees covered.

Geography

Coordinates
9.03600, 38.75100

Facts

  • The cathedral stands approximately 43.5 meters (143 feet) tall at its highest point.
  • It was constructed primarily from native Greenheart timber for maximum durability.
  • The design was provided by Sir Arthur Blomfield, a prominent British architect.
  • The building was officially consecrated for services on August 24, 1894.
  • It is the third Anglican church building to occupy this specific site since 1810.
  • The structure contains several historic memorials and ornate stained-glass installations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)<1 km · WExplore →
Tiglachin MonumentTiglachin Monument2 km · WExplore →
Holy Trinity CathedralHoly Trinity Cathedral2 km · NExplore →
Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque2 km · SExplore →
Adey Abeba StadiumAdey Abeba Stadium3 km · WExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden5 km · SEExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral5 km · NWExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory7 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. George's Cathedral (5)

Zeki Musa house📍 landmark

A historic residential house reflecting the local architecture near St. George's Cathedral.

Burkina📍 landmark

A characteristic attraction in the lively district surrounding the cathedral.

Statue of Menelik II🏺 historical

The bronze equestrian statue commemorates Emperor Menelik II and the Battle of Adwa.

St. George's Cathedral⛪ religious

The octagonal church was built to commemorate the victory over the Italians at Adwa.

Palace🏺 historical

The ruins of this palatial complex bear witness to the early royal development of the district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What shape is St. George's Cathedral?
The cathedral has a distinctive octagonal shape, which is typical of many Ethiopian churches.
Why was the cathedral built?
Emperor Menelik II commissioned it to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Where is the cathedral located?
It is located at the northern end of Churchill Avenue on a hill in the Piazza district.
Are there artworks to see there?
Yes, it houses beautiful paintings and mosaics by the famous artist Afewerk Tekle.
Can one visit the attached museum?
Yes, the museum displays imperial robes, weapons, and artifacts from the time of the Battle of Adwa.
St. George's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. George's Cathedral is located in Ethiopia.
St. George's Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zeki Musa house, Burkina, Statue of Menelik II.
St. George's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Menelik II Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
Abune Petros Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
Meyazia 27 Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Meyazia 27 Monument
A historic monument in Addis Ababa commemorating the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation.
National Museum of Ethiopia — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.
Yekatit 12 Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
Tiglachin Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
CBE Headquarters — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Nature

Akaki River — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
Addis Lion Zoo — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Unity Park Addis — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Friendship Square — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Gullele Botanical Garden — St. George's Cathedral (Ethiopia)
Gullele Botanical Garden
A vast area for the conservation of Ethiopian flora with hiking trails.