Debre Sina Monastery

Debre Sina stands against a cliff north of Keren, an Orthodox monastery built partly into the rock with cells, a church and a store of manuscripts and crosses held by the community. Monks have lived here for centuries and the tradition is that the foundation is very old. Access is up a path from the road and, as at most Eritrean monasteries, the rules on who may enter are strictly applied.

What you actually see

• The cliff setting - buildings pressed against and cut into the rock.
• The church - the monastery's place of worship.
• The manuscripts and crosses - the treasures the community holds.
• The monastic life - a working community rather than a monument.

When to go

Year round; the highland climate is mild. Feast days bring larger gatherings. The walk up is hot in the middle of the day.

Honest expectations

Many Eritrean and Ethiopian monasteries do not admit women, and rules here should be checked before travelling. A travel permit is required for movement outside Asmara. Photography is generally not permitted.

Nearby

Keren is south, and Mariam Dearit is on its edge.