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Entoto Maryam Church
Source: commons.wikimedia.org6 photos
Photos from Mount Entoto and Entoto Maryam Church's own website and pages. Open a photo to see where it came from.
Landmark
Mount Entoto and Entoto Maryam Church
The 3,200 metre mountain above Addis Ababa, with the church and palace of Menelik II
- Area
- Entoto
Mount Entoto rises to 3,200 metres above Addis Ababa. Entoto Maryam Church and the old palace of Emperor Menelik II stand near the top.
Good for
- Views
- Visitors
- Mount Entoto is 3,200 metres high
- Entoto Maryam Church and the old palace of Menelik II
- Eucalyptus forest called the lung of Addis Ababa
- Viewpoints over the city
Mount Entoto is the highest peak of the Entoto Mountains. It rises to 3,200 metres and looks over Addis Ababa from the north.
History
Emperor Menelik II built his palace on Entoto when he moved from Ankober. He founded Addis Ababa on the plain below. The mountain is a holy place for the Orthodox church. It has several churches and monasteries. The two that visitors see most are Entoto Maryam, the church of St Mary, and the church of St Raguel.
What to see
Entoto Maryam Church has eight sides and a painted veranda. The old palace of Menelik II stands next to it. The palace is a group of simple white buildings with thatch and wooden balconies.
Eucalyptus trees cover the mountain. The tree came from Australia in the time of Menelik II. People call the forest the lung of Addis Ababa. Viewpoints on the road give a wide view over the city.
Getting there
The road goes north from Sidist Kilo through Shiro Meda and climbs to the church. Entoto Park is on the same mountain, so you can visit both on one trip.
Good to know
The top is cold and the air is thin. Take a jacket and walk slowly. Dress modestly for the church. Mornings usually give a clearer view of the city.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Mount Entoto?
Mount Entoto is 3,200 metres above sea level.
What is at the top of Mount Entoto?
Entoto Maryam Church, the old palace of Emperor Menelik II and the church of St Raguel are near the top.
How do I get to Entoto Maryam Church?
The road goes north from Sidist Kilo through Shiro Meda and climbs to the church.
Sources
- Mount Entoto, Wikipedia
- Photo: Iglesia de Entoto Maryam, Adís Abeba, Etiopía, 2024-01-19, DD 01.jpg by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Entoto Maryam Church in Addis Ababa.jpg by Ninaras, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Addis Abeba-Entoto Maryam Church (3).jpg by Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Addis Abeba, Ethiopia (49687851148).jpg by Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Vista de Adís Abeba desde el monte Entoto, Etiopía, 2024-01-19, DD 07.jpg by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Iglesia de Entoto Maryam, Adís Abeba, Etiopía, 2024-01-19, DD 08.jpg by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Profile last reviewed November 12, 2026.
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