Debre Damo Monastery
ደብረ ዳሞ
A 6th-century monastery on a flat-topped mountain, reachable only by climbing a 15-metre cliff with a leather rope. Men only.
Debre Damo lies about 65 km east of Aksum. The monastery occupies a flat-topped mountain surrounded by sheer cliffs. Tradition holds that it was founded in the 6th century by Abba Aregawi, one of the Nine Saints. Its main church is among the oldest in Ethiopia and preserves Aksumite wood-and-stone construction and ancient carved wooden ceilings. To reach the top, visitors must climb a vertical rock face of about 15 metres with the help of monks, using a rope made of cowhide. Strict rules allow only men to enter (even female animals are not permitted on the mountain), while women may wait at the small church at the foot of the mountain. A hired car is required, and visitors should bring entry fees and tips.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Temple of Yeha
- Abba Garima Monastery
- Adwa
- Abba Pentalewon Monastery
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel
- Ezana Stone
- Tomb of Bazen
- Mai Shum (Queen of Sheba's Bath)