Ba'etta Mariam Orthodox Church, Addis Ababa

Ba'etta Mariam Orthodox Church is closely linked to Emperor Menelik II and Ethiopia’s early 20th-century imperial history. It was commissioned in 1916 by his daughter, Empress Zewditu. Although historically important, it is not among the country’s oldest churches. The name “Ba’etta” refers to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the temple, a key feast day in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.

One of the church’s main roles is as a royal mausoleum. Beneath the building is a burial chamber where Emperor Menelik II, Empress Taytu, and Empress Zewditu are entombed. This underground crypt gives the church a strong connection to Ethiopia’s imperial past and makes it a place of remembrance as well as worship. For many visitors, this function is what sets the church apart from other Orthodox sites.

The church has a traditional round, sometimes described as octagonal, design. Its simple exterior is marked by a golden crown on the dome. Inside, the Holy of Holies is reserved for priests, while the outer walls are covered with colorful paintings of biblical scenes and Ethiopian saints. The church remains active, with chanting during services, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Most visits last about 30 to 45 minutes.