Medhane Alem Cathedral & Feres Megala
Medhane Alem
An octagonal Ethiopian Orthodox church on Feres Megala, the square at the heart of the Old Town. It was built after Menelik II took Harar and contains religious paintings.
After Menelik II seized Harar in 1887, he had this octagonal Ethiopian Orthodox church built in the center of the Old Town, on the site of a former mosque, as a symbol of the new order. The church is decorated with brightly colored religious murals and icons, and a small museum of religious artifacts stands outside. Feres Megala (Horse Market Square), where the church sits, is the Old Town's transport hub. Its surroundings include colonial-style buildings and cafés, making it a good meeting point for exploring the Old Town. You must remove your shoes to enter the church, and women are advised to cover their hair. A small entrance fee or donation is usually required.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Sherif Harar City Museum (Ras Tafari's House)
- Tomb of Emir Nur
- Arthur Rimbaud House
- Gidir Magala & Old Town Markets
- Harar Jugol
- Harar Gate
- Harar Hyena Feeding
- Harar Brewery