What to do and see in Tigray Region, Tigray Region: The Best Sights & Landmarks

February 12, 2022 Karren Gelb

Discover the best top things to do in Tigray Region, Ethiopia including Abuna Yemata Guh church, Arabtu Ensessa Church, Northern Stelae Field, Monastery of Debre Damo, Medhane Alem Adi Kesho, Ezana Park, The Ruins of Aksum, Yeha Archaeological Site, Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion.
Restaurants in Tigray Region

1. Abuna Yemata Guh church

Hawzen Ethiopia +251 91 479 5520 http://www.sycamoreethiopiatours.com
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 184 reviews

Abuna Yemata Guh church

Reviewed By gtkruger - Johannesburg, South Africa

Bucket list stuff. Brace yourself for the super scary barefoot climb against the rock face- more mentally taxing than physically taxing though. The reward at the top is incredible. Unlike any other church in Tigray. Don’t do it if you have vertigo though.

2. Arabtu Ensessa Church

Behind St Mary of Zion Church, Axum Ethiopia
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Arabtu Ensessa Church

3. Northern Stelae Field

Near St Mary of Zion Church, Axum Ethiopia +251 91 362 5073 http://www.ethiopiatourismtips.com/articles/history/article_on_axum_axumstelaefield_history_id195.php
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

Northern Stelae Field

Reviewed By Starelenas - Orlando, United States

I arrived in Axum by myself. I met Mulugeta- my tour guide where my adventure started. It was an experience after experience. Did you know that the Queen of Sheba used to reside in that area? As well as one of the wise man that visited baby Jesus? I wouldn’t have been able to see all that without Mulugeta. He helped me not only with tourism, but also when I was sick and needed medications. He brought me to a religious procession at 5am in the morning free of charge in order to appreciate more their culture and it was the procession of the Ark, where approximately 2000 people dressed in white robes with candles in their hands. They surrounded a replica of the Ark of the Covenant singing and praising the Lord. It was a deep act of dedication. For contact, this is Mulugeta’s watsup number +251 91 339 5845 I had an incredible time digging into Ethiopia’s rich history. Thank you!

4. Monastery of Debre Damo

Sabean hotel Axum ethiopia, Adigrat Ethiopia +251 91 391 2656 http://www.teddyziontours.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Monastery of Debre Damo

Reviewed By lennonmick00 - Ardee, Ireland

At first be aware the this religious site is acessable by men only. The religious monks who live here do not leave the monastry and continiously pray and live a very simple life. There are 150 monks and 150 student monks. Acess to the monastry is Only by cowhide rope and is very difficult climb. Even food and livestock are pulled up the 30 metre rockface. Once on the plateau food is basic and accommodation even more so. It is a very tranquil place and you must be respectful of the monks and their way of life. I found it uplifting and grounding. As part of Ethiopian culture it remains unique.

5. Medhane Alem Adi Kesho

Ethiopia
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Medhane Alem Adi Kesho

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.

6. Ezana Park

Axum Ethiopia
Excellent
60%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Ezana Park

Reviewed By 1945DJM - Montrose, United Kingdom

These stellar are relics of the past and really worth seeing although I would certainly recommend a guide as this made a big difference. There is also a museum which is very interesting.

7. The Ruins of Aksum

Axum Ethiopia +251 91 480 8070 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/15/
Excellent
44%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 308 reviews

The Ruins of Aksum

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.

8. Yeha Archaeological Site

Yeha Village Ethiopia
Excellent
28%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
3%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 36 reviews

Yeha Archaeological Site

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.

9. Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

P.O.Box 163, Adigrat Ethiopia
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 5 reviews

Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

10. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Axum Ethiopia +251 91 480 8070 http://tigraitourism.com/index.php/religious-heritages
Excellent
26%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 157 reviews

Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Reviewed By snowythepyro - London, United Kingdom

In contrast to the ancient (and ancient-looking) churches of elsewhere in Ethiopia, this is a modern beauty. Bright, airy and still with colourful murals, this is a relatively huge space for worship.

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