Abune Yemata

The climb to go up there was challenging but there were a few people who were there to help. There was a rope available too if you needed it. Once you go up there it is a wonderful feeling. The views were amazing throughout and the paintings inside the church were very beautiful. All the pain to go up there was totally worth it. 😊

I can't describe how much I enjoyed visiting this church. The climb is challenging but there are many scouts to guide you in every step. There is also a rope to help you climb the steepest part of it. The views are stunning. Be aware that you have to pay for the rope (150 birr per person,one way), the scouts (they are more than six and they all want their share), the monk (who also asks for a specific amount).

Adventurous and beautiful church, a really memorable experience except for the scams along the way. Watch out for - people who accompany you on the way up, they are "guiding you" and will want money, a guided tour is 1700ETB! Entrance fee to the church is 600ETB in 2024 and the priest will ask for money and if you don't give enough he will say: "This is little" ahaha. I gave him 300ETB. Also there are helpers who point to holders in the rock where you are supposed to put your feet but they will expect money for this as well. You don't need a guide nor a tour, you can come on your own (Mekele to Hawzen, then tuktuk).

Abune Yemata Church in Tigray is a renowned rock-hewn church, famous for its stunning location atop a high cliff. The climb to reach the church is challenging, but there are helpful guides and a rope available for support, making the journey manageable. Once you arrive, it’s a wonderful feeling to be there, with breathtaking views throughout the area. The interior paintings are very beautiful and add to the spiritual atmosphere. The effort to climb up is definitely worth it, and I highly recommend visiting this unique site. It’s a memorable destination for pilgrims and travelers interested in faith, nature, and culture.

The Abune Yemata Guh Church is one of the most famous and unique churches located in the Gheralta Mountains of Tigray, Ethiopia. It is perched on a sheer cliff face, requiring visitors to climb steep rock faces and narrow ledges to reach the entrance. The church is dedicated to Abune Yemata, one of the Nine Saints who brought Christianity to Ethiopia in the 6th century. The church is renowned for its stunning frescoes, some of which date back over a thousand years. The interior of the church is adorned with intricate paintings depicting biblical scenes and saints, all preserved remarkably well considering their age and the remote location of the church. Visiting the Abune Yemata Guh Church is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a unique glimpse into Ethiopia's rich Christian heritage. The church is still actively used for worship by local communities, adding to its cultural and religious significance. Overall, the Abune Yemata Guh Church is a testament to the enduring faith and ingenuity of the Ethiopian people and a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and adventure.

A 6th century church on the top of 2500 meters high rock mountain that you have to hike and climb on foot. Mostly the area is little hot so to avoid the heat during hiking, i recommend to travel in the morning.

One of the scariest things I have ever done. The climb is a real challenge without ropes - more mentally than physically though. If you have vertigo don’t attempt it but if you make it you will be rewarded by a true treasure. Beautiful painted ceilings, incredible views. Go before it becomes over touristed. Ensure you have a good guide. The number of people asking for tips afterwards is a bit of a nuisance but amounts are small and if you have a guide he will help you navigate this.

Abune Yamata Monastery Adigrat diocese in Eastern Tigray, 13 km from Hauzen city. A monastery in the distance. The monastery is located in the high mountains of Geralta at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. Abune Yamata is one of the nine saints who came to Ethiopia in the 6th century and traveled around the country to teach the gospel. As this monastery is surrounded by mountains, it was able to escape from the war of Gurni and Judith. It is not only the cemetery that is amazing, but also the gravediggers, because it is difficult to climb that mountain carrying a corpse. There is a church with 27 columns carved out of rock in the monastery. Abune Yamata in the fifth AD. It is said that they came from a place called Kusiat, one of the saints who came to Ethiopia. Later, they destroyed a monastery in Geralta, Tigray Diocese. Their commemoration is on October 23.