Attractions of Ethiopia

To help inspire or plan your trip to Ethiopia, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Ethiopia which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Go to Region of Ethiopia-> Ethiopia Historical Circuit

Ethiopia Historical Circuit - Religious Monuments

Lalibela
Lalibela The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unquestionably one of the world's most extraordinary sites. Built in the 13th century by King Lalibela to create a 'New Jerusalem', the 11 churches in the village have been carved out of cliff faces, hillsides and into the ground with an incredible level of detail and beauty, on the exterior and interior. The most famous and beautiful is the crossed-shaped Bet Giorgis. Lalibela itself is today a small mountain village, isolated from the world and tourist masses, and the churches themselves are very much still in use, with priests, pilgrims and religious ceremonies regularly seen. The surrounding countryside contains more churches for exploration, such as Ashatan Maryam. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

Lalibela

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unquestionably one of the world's most extraordinary sites. Built in the 13th century by King Lalibela to create a 'New Jerusalem', the 11 churches in the village have been carved out of cliff faces, hillsides and into the ground with an incredible level of detail and beauty, on the exterior and interior. The most famous and beautiful is the crossed-shaped Bet Giorgis. Lalibela itself is today a small mountain village, isolated from the world and tourist masses, and the churches themselves are very much still in use, with priests, pilgrims and religious ceremonies regularly seen. The surrounding countryside contains more churches for exploration, such as Ashatan Maryam.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

Tigray Churches
There are approximately 150 rock hewn churches spread throughout the Tigray region. These churches were built before the 16th century and most are still used today as places of worship for Orthodox Christians.

Gonder
Gonder The fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi is located in the city of Gonder which was the imperial capital for over 200 years. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries by King Fasilides and his successors. Known as The Royal Enclosure, the compound contains well preserved castles, palaces, a banquet hall, library, lion house and other buildings, the Gonderian architecture displaying Arab, Hindu and European influences. Nearby in Gonder lies Debre Berhan Selassie, a beautifully preserved 17th century church, and Fasilidas's Pool, which is filled with water and worshippers every year during the Timkat Festival. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region

Gonder

Gonder

The fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi is located in the city of Gonder which was the imperial capital for over 200 years. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries by King Fasilides and his successors. Known as The Royal Enclosure, the compound contains well preserved castles, palaces, a banquet hall, library, lion house and other buildings, the Gonderian architecture displaying Arab, Hindu and European influences. Nearby in Gonder lies Debre Berhan Selassie, a beautifully preserved 17th century church, and Fasilidas's Pool, which is filled with water and worshippers every year during the Timkat Festival.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region

Lake Tana Monasteries
Lake Tana Monasteries The islands and shores of Lake Tana contain numerous centuries old monasteries reached by boat trips from Bahir Dar. The monasteries were used as a refuge for emperors and their riches at times of upheaval and according to legend the Ark of the Covenant was kept here when Axum was under threat. Today the monasteries contain numerous religious treasures including Axumite crosses and manuscripts.

Lake Tana Monasteries

Lake Tana Monasteries

The islands and shores of Lake Tana contain numerous centuries old monasteries reached by boat trips from Bahir Dar. The monasteries were used as a refuge for emperors and their riches at times of upheaval and according to legend the Ark of the Covenant was kept here when Axum was under threat. Today the monasteries contain numerous religious treasures including Axumite crosses and manuscripts.

Harar
Harar Harar, located in the east of Ethiopia, is the fourth holiest Muslim city in the world. There are 82 mosques and over 100 shrines in the city enclosed by city walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries which have 25 towers and 5 gates to enter the city. Inside are elegantly designed townhouses and narrow streets with small shops, evocative of scenes from Arabian Nights. Don't forget to feed the hyena. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

Harar

Harar, located in the east of Ethiopia, is the fourth holiest Muslim city in the world. There are 82 mosques and over 100 shrines in the city enclosed by city walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries which have 25 towers and 5 gates to enter the city. Inside are elegantly designed townhouses and narrow streets with small shops, evocative of scenes from Arabian Nights. Don't forget to feed the hyena.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town