About This Destination
Debre Damo is one of Ethiopia's most ancient and inaccessible monasteries, perched atop a flat-topped mountain (amba) that rises 2,200 meters above the surrounding plains. Founded in the 6th century by Abuna Aregawi, one of the Nine Saints, the monastery can only be reached by climbing a 15-meter vertical cliff face using a leather rope—a tradition unchanged for 1,500 years.
The monastery church is considered the oldest intact church building in Ethiopia, featuring Aksumite architecture with carved wooden beams, painted ceilings, and ancient religious artwork. The remote community of monks maintains a lifestyle that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries, following ancient religious traditions and manuscript preservation.
Debre Damo has never been conquered and served as a royal prison for princes in medieval times. Women are strictly forbidden from ascending the mountain—a rule that applies to all female creatures, supposedly including hens. For male visitors willing to make the climb, this is an unparalleled journey into Ethiopia's living ancient heritage.