Central Ethiopia
A monastery founded in 1284 on a cliff terrace above a gorge that drains to the Blue Nile.
Overview
In 1284 Tekle Haymanot, one of Ethiopia’s most revered saints, founded a monastery on a terrace between a cliff and a gorge. Pilgrims still come for the holy water; the domed church over the saint’s tomb was built by Haile Selassie in 1961.
Nearby, an old stone bridge crosses a stream above a waterfall, gelada graze along the cliff edge, and a roadside viewpoint looks down into the Blue Nile gorge.
Highlights
Plan your visit
All year; driest October to May, waterfall fullest July to September
About two hours by road north of Addis Ababa.
By vehicle, with a short, steep walk to the bridge.
Gallery
Photos: Unsplash
Journeys
Length 01 day
Debre Libanos
A monastery founded in 1284 on a cliff terrace, a bridge nobody can date, and gelada grazing on the edge of the gorge.
Keep exploring
Central
Ethiopia’s capital: museums, markets and the birthplace of many a coffee ceremony.
Central
Crater lakes and lakeside lodges, a short drive south of Addis Ababa.
Central
Volcanic crater lakes an hour from Addis Ababa, and the Irreecha gathering at Lake Hora.
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