Debre Bizen, Orthodox monastery in Nefasit, Eritrea
This monastery sits on a mountain summit at about 2460 meters elevation and consists of stone buildings arranged closely together on the slope. The structures follow the steep terrain naturally, with various chambers and spaces built around a central courtyard area.
The monastery was founded in the 1350s and received land grants from the emperor during its early years of development. This royal support helped establish it as an important religious center in the region.
The monastery houses a collection of Ge'ez manuscripts that document religious teachings and theological knowledge spanning many centuries. You can observe how these texts remain central to the monks' daily practice and study routines.
Reaching the site requires a demanding uphill hike for which you should bring proper gear and be in decent physical condition. The high elevation and rough mountain paths mean you will likely experience some physical strain during the climb.
The monks here live in complete isolation from the outside world while running a theology school within the complex. This place functions as a self-contained learning hub where religious instruction has followed the same methods for hundreds of years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
