We took a branch road to reach an ancient pre-Aksumite temple dedicated to the South Arabian moon god Almaqah. The temple dates to around the 7th century BC and is known for its remarkably well-preserved, mortise-and-tenon construction using dressed stone blocks without mortar. The temple features a sophisticated drainage system, and the walls were meticulously finished to appear monolithic. It is considered one of the oldest standing structures in Ethiopia.
Adjacent to it is the Abuna Aftse Monastery (🎟️1,000 ETB, Local guide 1,200 ETB), an active Ethiopian Orthodox church that was built on the temple site in the 6th century AD. The current church was built in 1948-1949 and incorporates stones from the original temple. Its treasury houses significant historical relics, including illustrated manuscripts, crowns, and crosses, and features interesting wall paintings. A small museum adjacent to the church houses ancient artefacts from the site, including Sabaean inscriptions and pottery.
