Entoto Maryam Church

Entoto Maryam Church tickets: which one to buy

Entoto Maryam Church stands on the Entoto hills, the mountain range that rises above the northern edge of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at an altitude of more than 2,600 metres, and entry to the church grounds is free, while the small museum beside the church charges a ticket. It is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church closely associated with Emperor Menelik II, who founded Addis Ababa, and it is one of the most historic places around the capital. The drive from central Addis Ababa up the winding road takes about half an hour, and taxis and tours are the usual way to get there.

Visitors often combine the church with Entoto Park, a large recreation area with walking trails, viewpoints over the city and cafés, the remains of Menelik's palace nearby, and the eucalyptus forests of the hills. Back in the city, the National Museum, home of the fossil Lucy, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Merkato market are popular sights. The church is active, and visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering; women cover their heads. The altitude can make walking tiring, and the hills are cooler than the city, so bring a warm layer.

Visiting Entoto Maryam Church: what to see

In the 1880s Menelik, then King of Shewa, established his capital on the Entoto hills, a strategic position with a wide view, and he built churches here, including Entoto Maryam, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Menelik was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia at this church in 1889, and his wife, Empress Taytu, played an important role in the court. The lack of firewood and water on the cold hills led the court to move down to the warmer valley below, where Taytu had founded the settlement that became Addis Ababa, meaning new flower.

The church is built in the traditional Ethiopian round or octagonal plan, with an outer ambulatory, a middle section for the congregation and an inner sanctuary, the maqdas, which holds the tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, and which only priests may enter. The walls are decorated with colourful paintings of saints, angels and biblical scenes in the Ethiopian style. The museum displays objects connected with Menelik and Taytu, including royal clothing, crowns, weapons, household items and religious manuscripts. The church compound is surrounded by trees, and worshippers in white shawls pray against the walls outside.

Entoto Maryam Church opening hours and the best time to go

The church is open daily, and morning services on Sundays and feast days are the most atmospheric time to visit, although the museum may be closed during services. The dry season, from October to May, is the best time, with clear skies and views over Addis Ababa. The main rainy season, from June to September, brings clouds and muddy paths. Timkat, the Ethiopian Epiphany in January, and Meskel, in late September, bring colourful celebrations. Allow about an hour for the church and museum, and more for Entoto Park.