One Day Tour in Tigray Churches

Early morning of the day at 6:00 am you will drive North of Mekelle to Hawzen to visit three churches namely Abuna Yemata Guh; Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor all of which are very different in style but stunningly beautiful in their own way. After arrival in Hawzein and a short break, you will start visiting Abuna Yemata Guh, walking for about an hour to commence a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turn into a climb using foot holds and hand holds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint hearted. The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left hand side. At the entrance there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock.

Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free standing pillars. Looking at it you could not help but wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground. In the afternoon drive back to Mekelle for overnight.

End of Tour!