Geralata Mountain Churches

Geralata Mountain Churches EXPEDITION

We seek the beauty of landscape and seascape, the heritage of cultural diversity and the bustle of street and marketplaces. Effectively, photography through geography.

UPPER AND LOWER OMO VALLEY

Ethiopian Tribal Expeditions Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa - Mekelle - Hawzen

Morning transfer to the domestic terminal to fly Mekelle, upon arrival meet the team and head to Tigray rock churches to visit the rock churches of Tigray established by the nine saints who came from Syria during the time of Kaleb and Gebremeskel kings of the Axum dynasty, the rock churches are carve on the top of mountain.

Today you will explore Abune Yemata Guh, There's nowhere on earth quite like Abuna Yemata Guh. Although less impressive architecturally than most, the church is spectacularly sited within a cliff face. The most difficult to ascend but worth to see the surrounding mountains from the top of the cliff.

Continue exploring Medhanialem Adikesho for the amazing location and interior wall painting and Wukro Cherkos.

overnight Hawzen

Day 2: Full Day Geralata Churches

Morning after breakfast head to Maryam Korkor an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and cupolas), fine 17th-century frescos and church treasures. It’s also one of the largest churches in the area.
Just a couple of minutes walk from Maryam Korkor is the seldom-used church of Daniel Korkor. It sits atop a paralysing precipice, offers astounding views and has fine paintings.

Continue exploring Maryam Papaseit, this church is one of the most accessible and rewarding churches in the region. It's a semi-monolithic structure (only the 'Holy of Holies' is hewn from the rock) while the main sanctuary has some exceptional paintings, most of which date from the 17th century. The church is a moderate one-hour walk from the end of the road.

Overnight Hawzen

Day 3: Visit Wukro Churches -Mekele - Addis

Morning after breakfast explore Abuna Abraham church. Rectangular in shape, with six massive free-standing pillars, this large and impressive 14th-century church (also known as Debre Tsion) is known for its diverse architectural features, including decorated cupolas, bas-reliefs and carved crosses on the walls and ceiling. It also has beautiful, though faded and damaged, 16th-century murals and an unusual, large 15th-century ceremonial fan. It sits like a fortress on a hill about 500m south of Dugem.

Afterwards explore Abraha We Atsbeha church. This church is architecturally speaking, this 10th-century church is one of Tigray’s finest. It’s large and cruciform in shape, with cruciform pillars and well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century murals and a wonderful wooden door. Some of the church treasures, including what’s believed to be King Atsbeha’s golden shoes, are properly displayed in glass cases in the adjacent museum.

Afterwards drive to Mekelle and transfer to the airport late the afternoon check in to fly back to Addis Ababa.

In Addis Ababa, Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure.

End tour //