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Kidane Mehret Cathedral

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Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)

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The Kidane Mehret Cathedral in Asmara is the main church of the Eritrean Catholic Church and a significant religious landmark. The current building was completed in 1969, replacing a smaller wooden church built in 1923. Architecturally, it is renowned for its large, prominent dome that dominates the city's skyline. The cathedral was designed in a Byzantine style with modernist influences and features a striking red brick facade. The interior is adorned with colorful murals and a massive mosaic behind the altar, created by Italian artists. As the heart of Catholic life in Eritrea, the cathedral plays a central role in religious festivals and ceremonies. Its location near the city center makes it a key destination for both worshippers and visitors interested in the city's diverse cultural and architectural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202123252627242324222120
Rain mm48726183312514531864

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Kidane Mehret Cathedral can usually be visited during service times. The interior is impressive but not always open to tourists.
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Typical hours
Cathedrals typically have services in the morning and evening. Tourists can often look in between masses, but there is no set schedule.
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Photography
Photography inside is often allowed during open hours, but flash should be avoided. Please be respectful during services.
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Time needed
A visit to the cathedral usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you also want to see the exterior, allow a bit more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Asmara's city center. Nearby are Cinema Roma and other landmarks.
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Getting there
The cathedral is centrally located in Asmara and walkable from the city center. Taxis and buses stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral in the morning to see the light through the stained glass. Respect the quiet and dress appropriately.

Geography

Coordinates
15.33780, 38.93150

Facts

  • The cathedral was officially consecrated in 1969.
  • It serves as the seat of the Archeparchy of Asmara of the Eritrean Catholic Church.
  • The name 'Kidane Mehret' means 'Covenant of Mercy' in the Ge'ez language.
  • The mosaic in the apse depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary.
  • The dome has a diameter of approximately 15 meters.
  • The church is located in the northeastern part of the city center.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Albergo ItaliaAlbergo Italia<1 km · NExplore →
Italian Cemetery AsmaraItalian Cemetery Asmara2 km · SEExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park4 km · NWExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center5 km · SWExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site6 km · SWExplore →
Historical Toka EbaHistorical Toka Eba15 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kidane Mehret Cathedral (10)

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Former Italian cultural center in Asmara, now a gallery for contemporary art and exhibitions.

Hewenet

A meeting point or square in Asmara, known as a local attraction.

Abel's home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Abel.

Shida Monument

Monument in Asmara commemorating a historical event or person.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

National museum of Eritrea in Asmara, displaying archaeological finds and historical artifacts.

Kidane Meheret Church

Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea, dedicated to Our Lady of the Covenant of Mercy.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Church in Asmara, Eritrea, seat of the bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese.

Haben home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Haben.

Pushkin Monument

Monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in Asmara.

San Francisco

Monument in Asmara, possibly named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which denomination does the cathedral belong to?
It is the Coptic Catholic Cathedral of Asmara.
What is the most striking feature of the cathedral?
The huge dome and colorful mosaics on the facade are very striking.
When are the services held?
Masses are usually held early in the morning, often in the Coptic rite.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is prohibited during Mass; otherwise, you should be discreet.
Is there a dress code for visiting?
Visitors should cover shoulders and knees; women often wear a white shawl.
Kidane Mehret Cathedral: where is it located?
Kidane Mehret Cathedral is located in Eritrea.
Kidane Mehret Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Hewenet, Abel's home.
Kidane Mehret Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Kidane Mehret Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Kidane Mehret Cathedral in Asmara is the main church of the Eritrean Catholic Church and a significant religious landmark.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Asmara — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara
The capital of Eritrea is renowned for its well-preserved modernist architecture.

History & landmarks

Albergo Italia — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.
Cinema Odeon — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Cinema Odeon
A well-preserved cinema in Asmara with an elegant facade and a magnificent Art Deco entrance area.
Asmara Municipality Building — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara Municipality Building
The administrative center of the city of Asmara, a massive building with mosaics reflecting fascist monumental architecture.
Asmara Opera House — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Asmara Telecommunications Building — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara Telecommunications Building
A significant modernist building in the center of Asmara representing the architecture of the late 1930s.
Asmara Governor&#39;s Palace — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara Governor's Palace
The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.
Ministry of Education Asmara — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Ministry of Education Asmara
An impressive administrative building in Asmara that once served as the headquarters of the fascist party and is today dedicated to educa…
Mai Jah Jah Fountain — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Mai Jah Jah Fountain
A stepped fountain in Asmara that is a popular architectural photo motif and shapes the cityscape.

More places

🗺️
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque
The Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque in the center of Asmara was built during the Italian colonial period in the late 1930s.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Catholic St.
Cinema Impero — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Cinema Impero
The Cinema Impero in Asmara is one of the best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the world.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.
Imperial Palace of Asmara — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Imperial Palace of Asmara
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.
Asmara children&#39;s amusement park — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara children's amusement park
A popular park for families with play equipment.
Asmara Power Plant — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara Power Plant
An important diesel power plant in the capital region that supports local energy supply.
Asmara youth and children center — Kidane Mehret Cathedral (Eritrea)
Asmara youth and children center
Center for cultural and sports activities for children.