The Debre Damo Monastery offers the most spectacular experience of all the monasteries. Situated on a flat-topped mountain in the northeast, the monastery is surrounded by steeply sloping cliffs. The complex was build between the 6th and 11th centuries by the Holy Za Mikael Aregawi and is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Legend says that he scaled the steep rock walls to the plateau with the help of angels. The angels commanded a snake to help the saint, who used it as a rope to pull himself up the steep rock face.
Even today, accessing the monastery requires a climb – only now it is done with a 15 metre long rope! Women are not allowed access. Located on the plateau are two churches in addition to community buildings and monk’s residences. The older of the two churches dates back to the 6th century and was built in the style of the Axumite Empire. The layout follows that of an early Christian Oriental basilica with a timber frame filled with stone and rubble.
Because of its remote and inaccessible location, Debre Damos was seen as a safe haven against unrest. During the crusades of the Imam Gragn in the 16th century the royal family was brought here to safety. Visits from noblemen were also frequent in Debre Damo, where on the flat plateau of the mountaintop, princes were often held captive as a means to secure the power of the reigning monarch.
.
Accommodation: As Debre Damo is very remote there is no suitable accommodation on site or nearby. It is recommended to stay at the region of Axum, which is relatively nearby.
.
.