Abuna Yemata Guh, Rock-hewn church in Hawzen, Ethiopia
This sandstone church stands at 2,580 meters elevation on a vertical cliff face in the Gheralta mountain range of northern Ethiopia.
The church dates from the fifth century when Father Yemata, one of the Nine Saints, carved it into the rock during a period of Christian expansion.
The interior walls display fifteenth-century frescoes painted with natural pigments, depicting nine apostles and scenes from the Old Testament.
Reaching the church requires a challenging vertical climb with hand and footholds carved into the rock, followed by crossing a narrow ledge.
The church maintains an Orthodox Bible made from goatskin, with some resident priests who have remained atop the mountain for multiple decades.
Location: Tigray Province
GPS coordinates: 13.91526,39.34307
Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:51
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