Asheton Maryam Monastery, Monastic sanctuary at Mount Abuna Yosef, Ethiopia
Asheton Maryam Monastery is carved directly into the mountainside of Mount Abuna Yosef, situated at a high elevation with a dramatic position overlooking the landscape. The structure consists of chambers and passages hollowed from the rock, with terraces and openings that create views across the surrounding terrain.
According to tradition, King Lalibela commissioned this monastery as one of his initial building projects in the mountain region, establishing a sacred place for worship. Over centuries, it became a center for Orthodox monastic tradition and has remained a retreat for devoted communities.
The monastery serves as a sacred pilgrimage destination for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who travel here to deepen their spiritual practice. Monks living in the community welcome visitors who make the climb, creating a living expression of monastic faith that continues across generations.
The trek to the monastery takes roughly two hours on foot from Lalibela, though mule transport can be arranged for portions of the route. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection, as the path is steep and exposed to wind at the higher elevation.
The monastery houses a remarkable collection of handwritten parchment books and religious objects that visitors can view within the stone chambers. These ancient texts and sacred items reflect the community's deep connection to early Christian learning and monastic scholarship.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
