Debre Libanos is a monastery in Ethiopia, lying northwest of Addis Ababa in the Oromia Region. Founded in the thirteenth century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, the monastery’s chief abbot, called the Ichege, was the second most powerful official in the Ethiopian Church after the Abuna.

The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorgle of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River (the Blue Nile). None of the original buildings of Debre Libanos survive. Current buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot’s tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered constructed in 1961; a slightly older Church of the Cross, where Buxton was told a fragment of the True Cross is preserved; and five religious schools.

Along the side of the church, you cross a river and proceed on foot up a hill for about 15 minutes. According to legend, the Ethiopian Saint, Tekle Haimanot, prayed for 7 years (or 29 years, depending who you ask). The legend says that he stood on one foot for so long that the other foot fell off.  Sick people queue to receive holy water (which is believed to be a sign of the saint’s prayer).

Portuguese bridge

There is controversy about the origins of the so-called Portuguese Bridge. According to some, it was built in the 16th century by Portuguese; others say that it was built by Ras Darge (who was Menelik’s uncle) in the 19th century.  After crossing the bridge, go to your left by the side of the river until you reach on a large rock suitable to view the 600m waterfall.  The best time to see this is in the Ethiopian rainy season (July-September).

You should see Galada Baboons, which are endemic in Ethiopia.

How to get there

Leave Addis on the Gojjam road to Debre Libanos, which is about 110 km from Addis Ababa or approximately two hours drive.

To get to the Portuguese Bridge: On the main road from Addis Ababa, just after the turning point to Debrelibanos, continuing on the main road for less than one kilometers and turning to the left on a gravel toad then you stop your car in compound and continue down to the bridge on foot.

Facilities

There is a new lodge, owned by an Ethiopian man and German woman (who happens to be vegetarian).  You can stay the night, overlooking the Jemma Valley Gorge – very peaceful though there is nothing to do.  You can get injera and wat thought not ferenj food.

8 Comments

Sara · September 10, 2010 at 12:30 am

We traveled to Ethiopia at the beginning of August and took this day trip from Addis. It was amazing and I highly recommend it and the hike across the bridge and up the other side.

Helen Ireton · September 5, 2011 at 10:31 am

An amazing trip – I was in Ethiopia in 2004 and did many a day trip. I was utterly speechless at the stunning scenery and seeing the baboons up close was a sight to behold.

Biruk · February 1, 2012 at 2:11 pm

About the facility in debrelibanos the hotel called Ethio- German Park. if you want to know more about the place call on these phones +251911978834 or +251911438119
regards
Biruk M.

Victoria Gichora · September 1, 2013 at 10:09 am

The site is spectacular and I enjoyed the hike very much.I was in Ethiopburin July and can’t wait to go back and see more of it

Luis · December 5, 2013 at 9:12 am

I really enjoyed by Debre libanos monastery. i took a very experienced and knowledgeable tour guide(Mr.Bete Mengistu) he explain everything about the history of the church and the Geographic stracture of the Jemma valley also on the way to Addis i stooped one of the attractive village which was fabulous. For any kind of tour i recommend Mr. Bete his e mail is (geezbete@gmail.com or geezbete@yahoo.com) his mobile is +251-912-65-56-34.
Thanks Bete for your rice job.
Luis

Francis · February 13, 2015 at 7:37 am

Alternate telephone number for Ethio-German hotel 0922383490. The lady quoted me ETB 550 for one night.

Inda · January 31, 2019 at 1:29 pm

We were there in January 2019. too bad it was dry season, no water fall found. we went to the cliff where you can see the baboons. but it was no luck for us this time. they were not there in the cave. however seeing the vast landscape was what we got.

The Ethio-German Park Hotel was releasing our thirst and hunger after short climbing up and down from the cliff though. Tasting local foods which come to as as delicious served with the scenery. it was very interested trip after all.

Ethiopia’s capital and surroundings in 72 hours | Hola! · March 20, 2014 at 7:11 pm

[…] was something that came back to me again in Debre Libanos, where I toured a local monastery,  museum and the church, which had the most impressive stain […]

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