Entoto Maryam Church, Addis Ababa

Constructed in 1877 under the patronage of Emperor Menelik II, Entoto Maryam Church stands as one of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. Nestled atop the Entoto Hills, it boasts distinctive octagonal domes as part of its architectural allure. Within its hallowed walls lies the final resting place of Emperor Menelik II and his consort Empress Taytu, interred in a tomb named "Shera Bet," erected in 1918.

Eucalyptus trees grace the surroundings, contributing to the serene ambiance of the site. Adjacent to the church, a museum showcases the personal effects of Menelik and Taytu, including regal attire, their royal bed, family jewels, and a mirror gifted by Queen Victoria to Empress Taytu. Additionally, the museum houses various royal artifacts, reflecting the splendor of Ethiopia's imperial past.

Within the sacred confines of the church, holy water, sourced from a natural spring, serves as a sacramental element in baptismal rituals administered by the clergy.