Debre Libanos Monastery

Debre Libanos was founded in the thirteenth century by Tekle Haymanot, the most widely venerated of Ethiopian saints, and it became the leading monastery of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, its abbot holding a position of national importance for centuries. The present church dates from the 1960s, built by Haile Selassie in a modern style with stained glass, and it stands above the older monastic site; a cave associated with the saint's meditation lies up a path behind, along with a holy spring where pilgrims wash. The setting is the edge of the Jemma gorge, with the ground dropping steeply, and gelada troops live on the cliffs. Nearby stands a stone bridge known as the Portuguese Bridge, and the escarpment views are wide.

What you actually see

• The modern church - the 1960s building with its stained glass.
• Tekle Haymanot's cave - the meditation site and holy spring up the path.
• Gorge edge - the drop into the Jemma valley below the monastery.
• Gelada troops - primates on the cliffs around the site.

When to go

October to March for clear weather and dry paths. Pilgrimage days for Tekle Haymanot bring very large crowds. The drive from Addis Ababa takes about two hours each way.

Honest expectations

The main church is modern, which surprises visitors expecting a medieval building. The walk to the cave and spring is steep and rough. Pilgrims are using the site for worship and photography needs care. Guides and children attach themselves and expect payment.

Nearby

The Portuguese Bridge is a short walk; Addis Ababa lies south.