Today we hired a boat for 7,000 ETB and a local guide for 2,000 ETB to explore ancient Orthodox monasteries around Lake Tana. The history of the Lake Tana monasteries is rooted in the Ethiopian Christian faith, with their origins tracing back to the 13th century, though many structures date to the 14th–18th centuries. Founded by monks seeking solitude, these monasteries became centres of Christian tradition and safe havens for cultural and religious treasures during times of conflict. Some sites, like Tana Chirkos, are believed to have been pre-Christian religious sites, possibly even housing the Ark of the Covenant around 400 BC, before it was moved to Axum. They are known for their architectural style and for housing invaluable art, including illuminated manuscripts and the remains of ancient emperors.
The monasteries played a critical role in preserving Ethiopian Christian traditions. They were used as refuges for valuable cultural treasures, such as manuscripts and relics, especially during invasions like that of Ahmed Gragn. They are renowned for their distinctive architecture and vivid mural paintings depicting biblical stories and Ethiopian legends. Some monasteries feature ancient crosses, imperial crowns, and illuminated manuscripts. They also house impressive collections, including mummified bodies and the remains of Ethiopian emperors in coffins and glass boxes. We visited Ura Kidane Meret, Bete Selassie, Azuwa Maryam, Kebran Gabriel, and Debre Maryam (each monastery 🎟️250 ETB).
