Religious site
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
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The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is the most sacred site in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, revered as the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The current church, built in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides, stands alongside a modern cathedral completed in 1964. Pilgrims and visitors gather here to pray and witness religious ceremonies, though the Ark itself is kept in a nearby chapel and is not accessible to the public. The church complex also includes a museum displaying crowns and manuscripts of Ethiopian emperors.
Don't miss
- Explore the old church, built by Emperor Fasilides in the 17th century.
- Visit the adjacent modern cathedral, completed in 1964, with its striking architecture.
- See the museum's collection of imperial crowns and ancient manuscripts.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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