Abune Yemata Guh is a 5th-century rock-hewn church in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, famous for its perilous, steep climb up a cliff face and its well-preserved 5th-century frescoes and murals. These paintings depict religious scenes, saints, and biblical imagery, with colours that remain vibrant due to the dry mountain climate. It was built in honour of Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Saints who helped spread Christianity in Ethiopia during the 5th and 6th centuries. It is considered one of the most inaccessible churches in the world, perched nearly 2,580 meters above sea level in the Gheralta Mountains. Still, it remains an active place of worship for its dedicated followers (🎟️ 600 ETB, Local guide 3,000 ETB, Sherpas 2,400 ETB).
The only way to reach it was via a challenging, dangerous climb that involved scaling a sheer rock wall, crossing narrow ledges, and walking on exposed cliffs with only hand- and footholds carved into the rock. The final stretch required significant physical strength and courage, with a sheer drop on one side of a rocky ledge.
