Top Things to do in Tigray Region
Things to do in Tigray Region, Tigray Region: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Discover the best top things to do in Tigray Region, Ethiopia including Abuna Yemata Guh church, Arabtu Ensessa Church, Medhane Alem Adi Kesho, Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, Wukro Chirkos Church, Abreha and Atsbeha Church, Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Chapel of the Tablet, St Cherkos Church, Alamata Eyesus Church.
Restaurants in Tigray Region
1. Abuna Yemata Guh church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
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
3. 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.
4. Cathedral of the Holy Saviour
5. Wukro Chirkos Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By snowythepyro - London, United Kingdom
A lovely little church, and for many years the only rock-hewn church 'known' to the western world. Really vivid colours in the murals.
6. Abreha and Atsbeha Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By chris_DEDK
During a day trip I was able to visit have two of the most impressive churches in the region that are very close to each other as well - Abrha we Atsbha and Abuja Yemata Guh. If you start early you will also be able to accommodate another visit to Maryam Kokor! I was guided by Kidane who knows tons of the history of the rock-hewn churches - I am sure I would not have spent so much time in the churches were it not to his knowledge about them! He can be contacted through [email protected] and +251945063854, and I was lucky that he was available for the tour within a day of notice. After the tour he also showed me a local restaurant and coffee bar in Wukro, which was a nice end to a phenomenal day if you want to get a glimpse of the local town life as well.
7. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 100 reviews
This church is rumored to be the hiding place of the biblical "Lost Ark."
Reviewed By felicityi2017 - Nassau, Caribbean
This blessed, holy church built by Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen deserves all the investment it can get. The spiritual aspect of Axum must be reserved. I loved it so much I was baptised here.
8. Chapel of the Tablet
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By pisumcorporum
Whatever your views on the presence or otherwise of the ark, they are of no consequence. You should always remember that for the Ethiopian, this is a fact, and you should not be so boorish as to disagree. This is a truly holy place in Ethiopia, and although, (like everyone else) I might like to look inside, I was content to be able to think about it, and its relevance today.
