St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa

Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II after the Ethiopian victory at Adwa, this octagonal Orthodox cathedral was consecrated in 1911 and dedicated to Saint George, patron of the empire. Its distinctive eight-sided plan reflects traditional Ethiopian church design, while Italian-influenced stonework marks the era of its construction. Inside are paintings and mosaics by the noted artist Afewerk Tekle. Emperors Zewditu and Haile Selassie were crowned here, and an adjoining museum holds imperial regalia and liturgical treasures.