Asheton Maryam Monastery
አሸተን ማርያም
An ancient cave monastery on the summit of Mount Asheton, east of Lalibela. Hiking up offers a panoramic view over the entire Lalibela plateau.
The monastery sits on Mount Asheton at an elevation of about 3,150 metres. It is said to have been built by a nephew of King Lalibela, carved partly into and partly built onto the cliff face. It preserves ancient handwritten scriptures, crosses and icons. The walk or mule ride up from town takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also take a car to a parking area halfway up and then walk for about 40 minutes. Admission is charged separately (about several hundred birr). The highland scenery along the way is spectacular, but drink plenty of water given the high altitude.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Na'akuto La'ab Monastery
- Bete Amanuel
- Bete Merkorios
- Bete Abba Libanos
- Bete Gabriel-Rufael
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Bete Medhane Alem
- Bete Maryam