Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie)

Overview

Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Kidist Selassie, is a magnificent example of Ethiopian Orthodox church architecture, serving as a significant religious and historical landmark in Addis Ababa. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and its role as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his family.

The cathedral is a symbol of Ethiopian heritage, faith, and history, reflecting the country's rich cultural tapestry and serving as an important pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Cathedral Historical Site

Location

Address

Coordinates: 9.031151074458892, 38.76638687980165

Neighborhood: Piazza

Coordinates

9.031151, 38.766387

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations welcome)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

October to February

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and more peaceful atmosphere

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Pleasant and cool

• Colorful flowers
• Lush greenery

summer

Rainy and chilly

• Rainy weather
• Cozy indoor atmosphere

autumn

Pleasant and cool

• Clear skies
• Cool weather

winter

Cool and dry

• Holiday decorations
• Festive atmosphere

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Respect religious customs
Check service times

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Modest clothing

seasonal

Rain jacket Warm layers

not allowed

Shorts Sleeveless tops Revealing clothing

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

• Altitude may affect some visitors
• Stairs and uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available, major hospitals nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (ETB), Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)

guided tour $20-$30

parking Free

Dress Code

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes, Shorts, Sleeveless tops, Revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required, but recommended for guided tours
• Local tour operators or hotel concierge
• Varies by tour operator
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Addis Ababa Tourist

Size: 45 MB

Features: City map, Attraction guides, Language translator

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

taxi

$30-$40 45 min

public_transport

$2-$3 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

taxi

$5 10 min

public_transport

$0.20 20 min

walking

25 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Significant religious and historical site, symbol of Ethiopian identity

Historical Significance: Built in honor of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, final resting place of the Emperor and his family

Insider Tips

Visit early for peaceful atmosphere and better photos
Local cafes offer authentic Ethiopian coffee experience

Local Recommendations

• Try traditional Ethiopian coffee at local cafes
• Visit the nearby Addis Ababa Museum

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Selam

thank_you Ameseganallo

where_is Yih nesh?

how_much Yihibelu?

beautiful Naggar

ticket Tikur

Guide Languages: Amharic, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the grandeur of the entrance with the surrounding gardens

Result: Iconic cathedral shot

#HolyTrinityCathedral #AddisAbaba #Ethiopia

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Common indoor areas

prohibited areas During religious services, Private areas

flash photography Allowed in designated areas

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed with permission

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Addis Ababa Museum

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Merkato

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Market

National Palace

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Historical Site

Reviews

4.7

Based on 500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early for a peaceful visit"
"Respect the religious customs"
"Explore the surrounding Piazza area"

Contact Information

+251 111 550 045

info@holytrinitycathedral.com

www.holytrinitycathedral.com

Social Media

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