Debre Damo

I visited Debre Dammo several times in the late 1960’s - early 1970’s. It was a remarkable place that preserved in addition to numerous traditional structures a church built in the Aksumite style of architecture, one of very few surviving from that period. I am horror-stricken at the news of the destruction on this irreparable historic site.

This monastery was one of the highlights of my trip to the region. Getting up there is no easy feat, as it involves a climb with nothing but a rope. Seeing a monk run up the cliff using the rope in a matter of seconds was quite the sight to see as well. Do be warned that they place their dead in a cave up there from what I was told, so there was a distinctive odour in one part of the mountain.

Beautiful landscape

Best monastery for orthodox christian worshippers it is celebrated annually on Oct 24 very nice view from the top hard to climb male only access to the main church because of religious reasons

Debre Damo is one of the most important Ethiopian monasteries and is thought to date back to Aksumite kingdom time and the 6th-century reign King Gebre Meskel. The monastery's formidable cliffs make for one of Ethiopia's most memorable experiences. In order to climb, you will need to scale a sheer 15m cliff, and there is a thick leather rope aimed to help you climb and the monks will tie a second line around your torso and pull you up.