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St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)

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Historical site
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St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)

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St. George's Cathedral in Freetown is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in West Africa. Construction of this Anglican cathedral began in 1817 and was completed in 1828, making it a powerful symbol of the early colonial era and the resettlement of liberated Africans. The architecture is characterized by its Georgian style, featuring massive stone walls and elegant arched windows that mirror British ecclesiastical designs of the period. Inside, the cathedral houses numerous memorial tablets that document the lives and history of early settlers and colonial administrators. As the seat of the Bishop of Freetown, it remains the spiritual heart of the Anglican community in Sierra Leone. Throughout its long history, the cathedral has survived wars and political upheavals, offering a place of sanctuary in the center of the bustling capital. It serves not only as a religious site but also as a national monument representing the deep cultural and historical ties between Sierra Leone and the English-speaking world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
St. George's Cathedral in Freetown is open to visitors; the interior can be explored. Regular worship services are held, and tourists are welcome to attend.
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Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open on weekdays during the morning and early afternoon. On Sundays it opens for services, otherwise hours may vary.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside, but without flash during services. The historic windows and wooden ceiling make good subjects.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. History enthusiasts may need more time as it is one of West Africa's oldest churches.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Sierra Leone National Museum. The botanical garden and King's Yard are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The cathedral is in central Freetown near Siaka Stevens Street. Taxis and buses can take you there from almost anywhere in the city.
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Insider tip
Ask the sexton for a guided tour, as the community is very welcoming. Early morning hours are most comfortable due to the tropical heat.

Geography

Coordinates
9.03530, 38.75110

Facts

  • The foundation stone was laid in 1817 by Governor Charles MacCarthy.
  • The cathedral was officially consecrated for worship in 1828.
  • Designed in the classic Georgian colonial architectural style.
  • Contains memorials to prominent figures from the city's early history.
  • It is among the oldest stone structures in central Freetown.
  • Serves as the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Freetown.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. George's CathedralSt. George's Cathedral<1 km · EExplore →
Tiglachin MonumentTiglachin Monument2 km · WExplore →
Holy Trinity CathedralHoly Trinity Cathedral2 km · NExplore →
Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque2 km · SExplore →
Adey Abeba StadiumAdey Abeba Stadium3 km · WExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden5 km · SEExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral5 km · NWExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory7 km · WExplore →

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 St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (12)

Abune Petros አቡነ ጴጥሮስ🏺 historical

The monument honors the Ethiopian bishop who was executed by the Italian occupiers.

Adwa Victory Memorial🏛 museum

The museum complex celebrates the historic Ethiopian victory over the Italian army in 1896.

The Cotton Tree

A historically important kapok tree and landmark in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

St. John's Maroon Church

A church building in Sierra Leone.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

A Catholic cathedral in Sierra Leone.

St. George's Cathedral

A church building in Sierra Leone.

Sea Side View POW

A viewpoint in Freetown overlooking the sea.

Gun emplacement

An abandoned gun emplacement in Freetown from the colonial era.

H H Fofannah Enterprise

A theatre building in Freetown.

75A Leicester Road

A viewpoint in Freetown along Leicester Road.

Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre

An amphitheatre in Freetown, named after Bishop Adjai Crowther.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit the cathedral?
Visit it in the morning when it is quieter.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photos without flash are usually allowed.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes is perfectly enough.
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa): where is it located?
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) is located in Ethiopia.
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa): what is there to see?
Highlights include Abune Petros አቡነ ጴጥሮስ, Adwa Victory Memorial, The Cotton Tree.
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

St. George&#39;s Cathedral — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral
An octagonal church in Addis Ababa, noted for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Menelik II Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
Abune Petros Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
Meyazia 27 Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Meyazia 27 Monument
A historic monument in Addis Ababa commemorating the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation.
National Museum of Ethiopia — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.
Yekatit 12 Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
Tiglachin Monument — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Nature

Akaki River — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

Addis Lion Zoo — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Unity Park Addis — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Friendship Square — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Gullele Botanical Garden — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Gullele Botanical Garden
A vast area for the conservation of Ethiopian flora with hiking trails.
Huajian Shoe Factory — St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.