St Mary Catholic Church


One of just two churches in Old Harar, St Mary Catholic Church is a haven of peace and a good spot if you need to unwind. It’s a French Catholic mission dating from 1889. The carved wooden door is particularly attractive.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Jamia Mosque

0.05 MILES

Harar’s great mosque is the only one inside the wall big enough to host both men and women. The mosque was built in the 16th century, though according to…

2. Queen Taitu's Palace

0.09 MILES

What is called Queen Taitu’s Palace, next door to Ras Makonnen's Palace, was neatly restored and now shelters a training centre for craft makers.

3. Ras Makonnen’s Palace

0.1 MILES

Don’t expect a fairy-tale castle. This late-19th-century ‘palace’ is a sharp-edged, charmless building. You can climb to the top floor and soak up the…

4. Emir Nur’s Tomb

0.13 MILES

Emir Nur’s Tomb resembles a spiky green beehive. It’s devoted to the ruler who built the city’s walls, and his wife is also buried inside. You enter the…

5. Harar National Museum

0.13 MILES

This modest museum across the road from Ras Makonnen’s Palace hosts household artefacts, traditional costumes, weapons and jewellery.

6. Arthur Rimbaud Center

0.14 MILES

Near the middle of the walled city, and often mistakenly called Rimbaud’s House, is this museum dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud with a series of…

8. Fallana Gate Market

0.17 MILES

This attractive gate to the north is the site of a colourful market. A chat market, one of many in the city, is also found here.