The new church was built on the ruins of an older church from the 15th century. It was named after St. George, after the Tabot (Ark) of the church was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians during which the Ethiopians secured victory.[2] One of the founders was Andargaye, and his daughter, Kisela Andargaye and her husband, Agonafir Woldeyess are buried in the church yards. The building was described in 1938 in an Italian tourist publication as a fine example of the European interpretation of Ethiopian church design.[3] The Italian Fascist authorities set the building on fire in 1937. The cathedral was later restored by Emperor Haile Selassie following the liberation in 1941.
Empress Zewditu was crowned at this Cathedral in 1917, and Emperor Haile Selassie was crowned there in 1930, and it became a pilgrimage site for Rastafarians.[2] The Cathedral has a museum, and an Imperial throne is on display as is the stained glass works of artist Afewerk Tekle.[2] Given the reason why the cathedral was named, it displays weaponry used in the wars against the Italians including curved swords and tridents and giant helmets made from the manes of lions.[2]
References
^"Addis Ababa". Selamta.net. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
^Guida dell'Africa Orientale Italiana, Milano,Consolazione Turistica Italiana, 1938, p.487 "La chiesa offre un interessante esempio di interpretazione europea della chiesa abissina tipica a pianta ottagonale. La decorazione è opera di artisti indigeni sotto la dirazione dei pittori Tedaldi e Pagliacci. Nel recinto, sono varie cappelle funerarie di grandi capi, nelle quali veglia pregando continuamente, il padre dell'anima, ossia il confessore del defunto"
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