Twice a year, tens of thousands of pilgrims converge on the little town of Kulubi and its hilltop cathedral, Kulubi Gabriel, built by Ras Mekonen to thank St Gabriel for the victory over the Italians at Adwa. Many people come to express thanks for fulfilment of a wish, and babies feature prominently: up to 1000 infants may be christened during celebrations. If you’re in the area around 26 July and 28 December, it’s an amazing experience.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.57 MILES
With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…
29.59 MILES
Rail fans can clamber through what remains of the once-great Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Ask for Kadra Ali – she can get by in English and will…
29.93 MILES
Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.
29.56 MILES
This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.
29.91 MILES
Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.
29.29 MILES
This modern, well-proportioned church is most notable for its two spires and yellow facade.
29.48 MILES
This colourful church, which lies near the Old Palace, is noted for its octagonal shape.
Nearby Eastern Ethiopia attractions
29.29 MILES
This modern, well-proportioned church is most notable for its two spires and yellow facade.
29.48 MILES
This colourful church, which lies near the Old Palace, is noted for its octagonal shape.
29.56 MILES
This large building is the former imperial residence of Haile Selassie. It's not open to the public and difficult to see from outside.
29.57 MILES
With its Babel-like ambience, the enormous Kafira Market, sprawling way beyond its Moorish-style arches, is the most striking of Dire Dawa's markets…
5. Ethiopia-Djibouti Rail Yard
29.59 MILES
Rail fans can clamber through what remains of the once-great Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Ask for Kadra Ali – she can get by in English and will…
29.91 MILES
Juma'a Mosque is the city's largest mosque and a prominent landmark in the Megala neighbourhood.
29.93 MILES
Chat is sold all over town, but the trade at the Chattara Market is so frenetic it deserves a look.