Located in the city of Addis, next to the Prime Minister's Palace, is the Beta Maryam Church. It is hidden a bit, but after a nice hike up a long road you find this amazing church and final resting place of Emperor Menelik, his wife Empress Taitu, their daughter, as well as Selassie's daughter. This place is so hidden that many of the locals didn't know that it existed when we were trying to find directions. The church itself is beautiful, with the top shaped like a crown.
This woman traveled all the way from Jerusalem to see the tomb of Menelik. This priest was our guide and a wonderful one at that. As we approached the steps you could feel a certain peace throughout the church.
After the priest talked about the history of the church and the murals on the ceiling, including the story of the Queen of Sheba meeting Solomon in Jerusalem and Menelik defeating the Italians in the battle of Adwa, he rolled back the red carpet to expose the entry way to the crypt.
The steps down led to a stunning room with the smell of frankincense filling the air. This room just felt old, old but regal. We were honored to be here!
Menelik's cross amongst his robes and crowns
Emperor Menelik, his wife Empress Taitu, and their daughter.
The library of crowns, bibles and other family artifacts
The majestic throwns
Truly an emperor of the people, such a vibrant and beautiful painting
The Lion of Judah
Another wonderful day in Addis; so much history and beauty which provides unforgettable experiences.
“There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands.”
~Plato
Menelik must have been a beloved and great leader who truly thought of his people for the great collective tribute to his rule. All of your pictures and text are so enlightening. This is a great historical gift for Mawerdi to have as a part of her personal history.
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