City: Ethiopia
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The 10 Best Ancient Ruins in Ethiopia, Ethiopia
Coordinates: 8°N 38°E / 8°N 38°E / 8; 38
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1. Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,857 reviews
A labyrinth of tunnels with grottoes and galleries connects 11 impressive churches built under King Lalibela out of red volcanic rock.
Reviewed By greatlalibelatours - Lalibela, Ethiopia
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilmigrage and devotion.
2. Medhane Alem Adi Kesho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By GiorgisLehmann - Berlin, Germany
The Teka Tesfay Cluster comprises of three churches, which can easily be visited on a single day: Petros & Paulos, Mikael Melehayzenghi, and Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. We started our day trip from our hotel in Mekele and were picked up by a minibus and our driver Kidane (a calm and patient, reliable driver). The trip from Mekele to the Teka Tesfay Cluster took about 1 1/2 hours. We started from Petros and Paulos Melehayzenghi, a small but beautifully decorated church, which can be reached after a short and steep climb up a wooden ladder. My father, who is beyond 80 and used to walking, managed it without any problem. After Petros and Paulos, we walked about 30 minutes to the next church nearby, Mikael Melehayzenghi. This small and beautiful church lies on top of a little hill and has a finely carved dome. Afterwards we went by foot back to the car and drove to the third church, Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. This thurd church incorporates four columns, two large doors, and beautiful paintings. It has a cathedral-like interior. This day trip was organized by the knowledgeable and experienced guide Redae Tesfay, who is based in Mekele; his phone numbers are +251 9 45 79 47 94 or +251 920 75 00 09. We had altogether three trips organized by him: The first one to the Teka Tesfay cluster north of Wukro, the second to the Gheralta cluster, and a third one to rock-hewn churches in the Tembien. The trips organized by him included a minibus including driver, fuel, entrance fees to all churches and a local guide. Meals and tips for the priest or accompanying helpers are not included. We can recommend Redae Tesfay as an organizer as well as a guide.
3. The Ruins of Aksum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 308 reviews
The remains of once powerful royal capital contain impressive tombs and stelae.
Reviewed By raym12345 - London, United Kingdom
Sometimes people skip over Axum but it's a fascinating place, especially at the start or end of a northern ethiopia adventure. We had a fantastic weekend visit to Axum, organized by our guide Berhanu. The stellae are very impressive and just opposite you can go inside the beautiful cathedral/church built by the emperor. Axum and surroundings have a huge amount of history to explore including the oldest standing building in sub-Saharan Africa (Yeha monastery). Definitely well worth getting a guide who speaks good English to explain what the archaeologists think, and also what the local people believe. Berhanu also brought us to a great cultural restaurant and dance show, definitely ask for the lamb shakla tibs (probably the best we had in Ethiopia)! We have used Berhanu for many other trips and would definitely recommend him to organize a stress free trip! His number on WhatsApp is +251 91 486 1090, and he now has his own company organizing tours across Ethiopia.
4. Yeha Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By OccidentalTourist46 - Devizes, United Kingdom
This was a real gem amongst the numerous and often disappointing churches of Ethiopia. The temple has been sympathetically restored/consolidated more work to be done on the fascinating palace. Worth reading up about before you arrive as no signage or reliable guides.
5. Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By hawalom - Freeport, United States
An amazing history here but a lot more needs to be uncovered. There is a tale of a tunnel from this location to Israel...WOW if it is really true. If not impressed by the site, at a minimum you can enjoy the beautiful view of Adwa and Eritrea mountains in the distance. A guided tour is recommended. Guides can be found in their office next to the Stetae park in town. Make sure you get the guides that operate in a group not the once who operate individually. Individual tour guides will charge you more.
6. Tomb of Adam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By guiaetiopia - Gijon, Spain
Very significant and symbolic ancient building carved out of single rock like many monolithic churches of Lalibela. Words can’t explain what is Lalibela’s rock hewn churches. They are one of the wonders of the world simply missed for bing in Africa especially in Ethiopia.
7. Tiya World Heritage Site
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 39 reviews
An important archaeological site contains ancient rock stelae with enigmatic carvings.
Reviewed By Fkereselase
Stelea with figures on them. one of the world heritage sites of Ethiopia. So close to addis ababa. Great landscape
8. Queen of Sheba Palace
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Abu_Firas_11 - Doha, Qatar
Believed to be the Palace of Queen of Sheba, who got married to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Great construction. Still a lot to be discovered. 52 rooms and apartments, kitchen or a place with a huge oven. Drainage system and a place for bath. Remnants of pillars can be seen.
9. Mikael Imba Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Melka Kunture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
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