Monastery & Gorge · Addis Ababa & Surroundings
Debre Libanos
Founded by Saint Tekle Haymanot in the 13th century, Debre Libanos is one of Ethiopia’s most important monasteries, set on a ledge above the Jemma River gorge.
- Best Time
- September to May
- Suggested Stay
- 1 day
- Altitude
- 2,500 m
- Region
- Addis Ababa & Surroundings
Why We Go
A historic monastery on the edge of a gorge, with gelada and the Portuguese Bridge.
About 100 kilometres north of Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos was founded in the 13th century and remains a major centre of pilgrimage. The present church was built under Haile Selassie, and the cave of Tekle Haymanot lies on the hillside above.
Nearby, a short walk leads to the old stone bridge known as the Portuguese Bridge, where gelada graze on the cliff edges, and further north the road reaches the rim of the Blue Nile Gorge, more than a kilometre deep.
Highlights
- The monastery church with its stained-glass windows
- The Portuguese Bridge and gelada on the cliffs
- Views into the immense Blue Nile Gorge
- Endemic birds, including the white-winged cliff chat
Journeys Including Debre Libanos
Routes that pass through here
More in Addis Ababa & Surroundings
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