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Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral
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Landmark
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral
The largest Orthodox cathedral in Ethiopia, in the centre of Bole
- Area
- Bole
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ethiopia. It stands in Bole, Addis Ababa, and seats more than 5,000 people.
Good for
- Visitors
- Largest cathedral in Ethiopia
- Seats more than 5,000 people
- Name means Saviour of the World
- Granite walls with rows of columns
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral is in the Bole Medhanealem area, a few minutes from Bole Road. Medhane Alem means Saviour of the World. It is the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and the second largest in Africa.
What to see
The cathedral seats more than 5,000 people. It is built of stone, wood and marble, and the outside is granite. Rows of columns run along the outside walls. The domes are blue-green and can be seen from many streets in Bole. Mosaics of saints and angels decorate the entrances. Inside there is stained glass and carved decoration.
The compound is large and open. People come to pray through the day, and many stop for a few minutes on the way to work.
Getting there
The cathedral gives its name to the area around it. Edna Mall, hotels, cafes and restaurants stand on the streets next to the compound. Minibuses on Bole Road stop a short walk away.
Good to know
This is a working church. Dress modestly and take off your shoes before you go in. Women cover their hair. The area is very busy during Timkat and on the feast days of Medhane Alem. Allow 30 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
How big is Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral?
It is the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and seats more than 5,000 people.
What does Medhane Alem mean?
Medhane Alem means Saviour of the World.
What should I wear at Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral?
Dress modestly. Take off your shoes before you go in. Women cover their hair.
Sources
- Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa, Wikipedia
- Photo: Medhane Alem Cathedral Addis Ababa (1).jpg by Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Bole Medhan Alem Cathedral.jpg by Vuvas57, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Bole Medhanealem Churcn.jpg by Mebr1416, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Medhane Alem Cathedral Addis Ababa (2).jpg by Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Medhane-Alem-Cathedral1.jpg by Steven C. Price, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Profile last reviewed November 12, 2026.
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