Enda Mariam Coptic Cathedral

When you visit Asmara, Eritrea, a stop at the Enda Mariam Cathedral (also known as Qidisti Mariam or Saint Mary) offers a fascinating look at the city's unique architectural heritage. Located on Arbate Asmara Street, this prominent Eritrean Orthodox landmark stands alongside the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Kulafah Al Rashidan Great Mosque as one of the three primary religious sites in the city. The church traces its roots back to a simple wooden structure from the late nineteenth century.

Today, you will see a striking rationalist and modernist building dating from 1938, created when an unknown Italian architect updated an earlier 1920 design by Ernesto Gallo or Odoardo Cavagnari. As you explore the exterior, you will notice the central block flanked by two large freestanding square towers. These structures feature alternating layers of brick and stone designed to emulate classic Aksumite architecture of the Eritrean Highlands, complete with protruding wooden support beams known as monkey heads.

If you plan your journey around late autumn, you can experience the church's annual Nigdet, a vibrant religious feast of Saint Mary celebrated on November 30 or December 1 during leap years.

What to see at Enda Mariam Coptic Cathedral

• Rationalist and modernist facade added in 1938
• Two large freestanding square towers flanking the main structure
• Aksumite-inspired construction using alternating layers of brick and stone
• Protruding wooden support beams traditionally called monkey heads
• Annual Nigdet religious feast celebrating Saint Mary

Visiting tips

If you want to experience the cathedral's annual religious feast of Saint Mary, time your visit for November 30, or December 1 in leap years.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: November 30 (or December 1 in leap years)

How to get there & what’s nearby

Enda Mariam Coptic Cathedral is easy to reach on Asmara’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Great Mosque of Asmara. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Asmara travel guide.