Entoto Mariam church, Church in the Entoto Mountains, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The church sits high on the Entoto Mountains, surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees and fresh mountain air, creating a quiet and restful place where visitors can walk through the grounds and enjoy the simple beauty of the natural setting and the peaceful atmosphere that fills the space.
Emperor Menelik II built the church in 1877, making it one of the oldest in Addis Ababa, and Empress Taitu is buried here in a quiet tomb called Shera Bet, while a small museum nearby displays royal belongings including traditional clothes, crowns, and a mirror gifted by Queen Victoria.
Local people visit the church regularly to pray and light candles, and many come to collect water from a spring believed to have healing powers, while on Sundays the octagonal building fills with worshippers who gather to sing hymns and share their faith in a warm and welcoming community.
The church is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week, allowing visitors to come at any time they wish, and the location is about 20 minutes by car from central Addis Ababa along a winding road that passes through lively neighborhoods with small shops and market stalls selling local crafts and snacks.
From the church grounds, you can see a sweeping view of Addis Ababa spreading out far below, with the city's buildings and streets visible against the green valleys and hills, offering a rare perspective that shows the contrast between the busy urban life and the quiet mountain landscape.
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