Gunda Gunde Monastery

The monastery complex contains multiple stone buildings with wooden beams, centered around a rectangular church in the mountainous Ethiopian landscape.

Established in 1301, the monastery served as a refuge for followers of Saint Estifanos during periods of religious persecution in Ethiopia.

The library preserves 219 ancient manuscripts written in Ge'ez and Amharic languages, representing centuries of Ethiopian Orthodox religious texts.

A separate church dedicated to Saint Tekle Haymanot stands outside the main compound, allowing women to participate in religious celebrations.

The monastery treasury building houses one of Ethiopia's largest collections of pre-16th century religious manuscripts in a protected environment.

Location: Eastern Zone, Tigray

Inception: 14 century

GPS coordinates: 14.38280,39.73530

Latest update: March 20, 2025 00:01