Debre Libanos, Historic monastery in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.
Debre Libanos stands majestically on a terrace between dramatic cliffs and a river gorge, featuring traditional Ethiopian ecclesiastical architecture with stone churches, religious artifacts, and ancient manuscripts that showcase centuries of spiritual devotion.
Founded in 1284 by Saint Tekle Haymanot, the monastery survived destruction during Ahmed ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi's invasion in 1531 and later reconstruction efforts, including Emperor Haile Selassie's church construction over the saint's tomb in 1961.
The monastery serves as a center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity where monks continue daily prayers and ceremonies, while pilgrims visit the holy spring in Saint Tekle Haymanot's cave seeking spiritual blessings and fulfillment.
Located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Addis Ababa, visitors can reach the monastery by car via well-paved highway in 2-3 hours or take public buses to nearby towns followed by taxi rides.
Saint Tekle Haymanot legendarily prayed continuously for seven years while standing on one leg in a cave above the current monastery site, demonstrating extraordinary spiritual dedication that continues to inspire pilgrims today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
