For Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, Debre Libanos is a holy place of pilgrimage and a monastery site with deep roots in the history of the Christian Orthodox Church. Visitors can also enjoy the magnificent landscape in which the town is located. It provides a wonderful setting for small walks or hikes or even a day trip from Addis Ababa. (See: OUR TOURS; Short Trips)
Church & Monastery: The monastery of Debre Libanos dates back to the Middle Ages and it is said that it was established after 1284 by the Holy Tekle Haymanot. According to tradition, this monk played an important role as one of the political advocates of the Solomonic dynasty, which replaced the Zagwe dynasty in 1268. Moreover, Tekle Haymanot was credited with the widespread distribution of Orthodox Christianity in the land of Shoa.
For centuries, the monastery of Debre Libanos was the centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and an important place for religious education. During the Italian occupation in 1937 soldiers burned down the old monastery in the course of a retaliatory strike and over 300 monks and their followers were massacred.
In the 1950’s, Emperor Haile Selassie built a new modern church on the old site. In addition, on the right hand hillside of the church stands a holy cave shrine which is also a source of holy water. A pretty walk leads up to this cave shrine and many monks and nuns still live in the neighbouring caves.
Walking & Hiking: In addition to its religious significance, Debre Libanos impresses all visitors with the surrounding landscape. Over millions of years, the river Robi has carved itself deep into the rocky soil leaving a wide canyon behind. Debre Libanos is located directly on the escarpment looking down into the canyon, providing spectacular views – a perfect location to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
In addition, a short walk leads to the so-called Portuguese Bridge, which was build around the turn of the 20th century. The bridge spans the small Gur River which, just a few metres farther, pours into a 600 metre high waterfall down into the canyon. A descent into the canyon is also possible but challenging due to the great difference in altitude one has to overcome – good sun protection is recommended as there is no natural shade.
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Meals & Accommodation: The Ethio-German Lodge is located directly on the rim of the canyon and offers a panoramic view over the canyon. A simple restaurant is also available here.
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