Mule trips around Lalibela Lalibela excursions, the hidden churches LALIBELA EXCURSIONS (Tour no 104) DURATION: 1 day trek around Lalibela DEPARTURE: A.M.(ON FOOT & MULE) YEMREHANNE KRISTOS "LET CHRIST SHOW US THE WAY" This remarkable church is situated north east of Lalibela. It is located in a mountain ridge, on the peak of Abuna Yoseph. It takes six hours by foot and mule back combined. It is a built up cave church in Axumite wood and stone construction. The church has become renowned for its interior decoration. The flat span roof displays panelling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The beautiful coffer ceiling with inland hexagons and medallions with either figurative of geometric motifs are fascinating. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is said to have been King Yemrhanne Kristos, a predecessor of King Lalibela.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 104 $30 $28 $26 $24 $22
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ARBATU ENTZESSA (THE FOUR ANIMALS OR THE FOUR BEASTS) (Tour no 105) DURATION: 1 day DEPARTURE: A.M.(ON FOOT & MULE) YEMREHANNE KRISTOS "LET CHRIST SHOW US THE WAY" Arbatu Entzessa can be reached from Yemrehanne Kristos by proceeding to the Southwest. This tiny monolithic sanctuary is detached from the surrounding rock on two sides. It shows remains of old ornaments, pillars, and doors chiselled in Axumite style. The name that the church is dedicated to the "four beasts" symbols of the Four Evangelists following the vision of St. John. The Ethiopian synod dedicated the 8th of Hedar (November) to these four beasts.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 105 $30 $28 $26 $24 $22
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MEKANE MEDHANE ALEM (Tour no 106) DURATION: 1 day DEPARTURE: A.M.(ON FOOT & MULE) "The place of the redeemer of the World" Like Yemrehanne Kristos, Mekane Medhane Alem Church is a built up cave church in Axumite style. It is located cast of Lalibela a spur of Abuna Yosef. You may reach it by two hours climbing by ascending to a spot above Genetc Mariam.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 106 $30 $28 $26 $24 $22
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THE DEVRE DAMO MONASTERY (Tour no 107) DURATION: 1 day DEPARTURE: A.M.(BY ROAD) 76 Kms. from Axum is the Monastery of Debre Damo (closed to Women), which is said to have the oldest existing intact church in Ethiopia. Locat tradition says that Abune Aregawi, one of the Nine Saints, built the church in the 6th century.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 107 $60 $55 $50 $45 $42
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GENETE MARIAM (THE PARADISE OF MARY) (Tour no 108) DURATION: 1 day trek or 4 wheels drive DEPARTURE: A.M.(BY ROAD) The Genete Mriam Church is situated near the 90 Kilometres point on the Qobbo or woldiya - Lalibela road. It can be reached from Lalibela either by one hour's drive or by four hours on mule's back. Genete Mariam is a monolithic rock church in the higher layer of plinth, unlike the Lalibela churches which are hidden in their pits. This church is not surrounded by the walls of a trench. You may see it from far away a block of pink tuff in the midst of green euphorbias and opuntias.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 108 $60 $55 $50 $45 $42
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YEHA TEMPLE (Tour no 109) DURATION: 1 day DEPARTURE: A.M.(BY ROAD) 55Km. East of axum is the 5th century BC Temple of Yeha. Its massive walls house Judaic relics and historic artefacts. In the same enclosure stand christian churches of the later era.
Tour code/No in group 2 3 4-7 8-12 13-17 Simien 109 $60 $55 $50 $45 $42
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