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Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Grand cathedral and final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen.

What is Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) is the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa and the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw. Founded in 1931 and completed in 1942 to celebrate liberation from Italian occupation, it is known for its domes and spires, stained-glass windows and the graves of national heroes in its grounds.

The cathedral stands near Arat Kilo and the national parliament. Inside, the tombs of Haile Selassie and Empress Menen lie in the north transept, carved from granite. Large stained-glass windows and murals tell biblical and Ethiopian stories.

The churchyard contains graves of patriots who fought the Italian occupation, victims of the 1937 massacre in Addis Ababa, and the British campaigner Sylvia Pankhurst, a lifelong supporter of Ethiopia. A small museum holds royal and religious treasures.

Why Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Holy Trinity brings together faith and modern Ethiopian history in one place. Standing by Haile Selassie’s tomb, seeing Sylvia Pankhurst’s grave and watching worshippers in white shawls makes it one of the most meaningful stops in Addis Ababa.

History and Significance of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Haile Selassie laid the foundation stone in 1931. Work stopped during the Italian occupation of 1936 to 1941 and resumed after liberation, with the cathedral completed in 1942. Haile Selassie’s remains were reburied here in 2000, 25 years after his death, alongside those of Empress Menen. Patriarchs of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are enthroned here.

Top Things to Do in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Imperial tombs: the granite tombs of Haile Selassie and Empress Menen.
Stained glass and murals: fine religious art inside the cathedral.
Sylvia Pankhurst’s grave: in the churchyard among Ethiopia’s heroes.
Cathedral museum: crowns, crosses and manuscripts.
Sunday services: observe Orthodox worship respectfully.

Best Time to Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Open year round. Visit on weekday mornings for a quiet look inside, or early Sunday morning to see worship. Major Orthodox feasts bring large crowds.

Period	What to expect
Weekday mornings	Quiet, easier to see the tombs.
Sunday morning	Services and atmosphere.
Feast days	Very busy; special ceremonies.

How to Get to Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa from Addis Ababa

The cathedral is near Arat Kilo in central Addis Ababa, about 7 kilometres from Bole International Airport, 25 to 40 minutes by car. It is part of our Addis Ababa city tour.

How Many Days Do You Need in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Allow one hour, or 1.5 hours with the museum.

Trip type	Suggested time
Short visit	45 minutes for the cathedral.
Standard	1.5 hours with the museum and grounds.
City tour	Combine with nearby museums.

Where to Stay in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Hotels around Arat Kilo, Piassa and Kazanchis are closest; Bole is about 30 minutes away.

What to Wear and Pack for Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; women may bring a scarf. You may be asked to remove shoes in some areas.

Is Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa Safe to Visit

Addis Ababa is generally safe for visitors by day. Watch your phone and bag in crowded areas, avoid walking alone late at night, and use a driver or registered ride-hailing car after dark.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Unity Park, the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Ethnological Museum and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum are all close by.