Tigray Unveiled

The rolling landscape of the Tigray region seems to leap from some long-lost African legend. The glowing light of the sun cleanses scattered jagged peaks that rise into the sky out of the sandy arid floor. These high rising plateaus evoke comparisons with the deserts of Arizona.

Very different from the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Tigrayan churches are carved from cliff faces, built into pre-existing caves or constructed high atop some implausible perch – scrambling up may not be for the timid traveller, but the rewards are certainly worthwhile.

There are over 100 marked-out churches within the Tigray region, categorized into five main groups. The most famous of which are the Gheralta church cluster close to the small town of Hawzen in the eastern region of Tigray.

The Gheralta cluster of churches are the most impressive. The scenery and sheer expedition of it all that makes this trip worthwhile. Visiting some of these churches involve climbing rock faces and navigating rocky passes up the plateaus.

Debredamo Monastery Perched atop a steep cliff, Debre Damo is a 6th-century monastery known for its collection of manuscripts and its early Aksumite architecture.

Yeha Temple

This ancient temple, located near Axum, is believed to be one of the oldest man-made structures in Africa. It provides valuable insights into the region’s early history.

Tigray Churches

Negash Al Nejashi Mosque: Negash is a historically significant village that was once home to the first Islamic settlement in Africa. The Al Nejashi Mosque is a testament to this early Islamic presence in Ethiopia.