- Debre Dabo Monastery Imba (Table Mountain)
The monastery of Debre Damo is noted for its extraordinary location on the crown of an Imba (Table Mountain) 600m by 180m at its widest part. It is a natural fortress, with 50m high cliffs lining most of the perimeter except for a short portion at the northeast end which provides the only point of access to the mountain monastery. Access is provided to men only, as female visitors are not allowed to the church, by climbing or being hoisted on a 15m plaited leather rope, the "Jende", which is hanging dawn from the top of the cliff. The church is dedicated to its founder, Abune Aregawi (Zemikael), one of the 'nine saints' who taught gospel in the country in the 6th century. According to local tradition, Abune Aregawi is believed to have been taken to the top of the Imba with help of a serpent which was commanded to do so by God. Today the 'Jende' symbolizes this miraculous serpent. One can use the natural footholds to climb the cliff. Inexperienced visitors need to tie their waists with the additional rope provided by the church and climb up the rough cliff. On top of the Imba are two churches. The main one, 20m deep and 9m wide, was constructed under the auspices of Emperor Gebre Meskel, the Axumite King who reigned in the 6th century. It is believed to have been built on the very site where the serpent had safely dropped the founder. Described by Richard Pankhurst as "a veritable jewel of ancient Aksumite architecture", the church is built following an Aksumite style of construction: layers of stone alternated with layers of wood. The walls are constructed of stones and strengthened with longitudinal beams, which are themselves fixed to the walls with projecting woods otherwise known as "monkey heads". The walls of the church show resemblance to the decorative styles displayed on the obelisks of Aksum.
- Access to The Debre Damo Monastery is only by robe
The monolithic pillars, the beams, the wooden doors, and windows depict Aksumite architecture. On the ceiling of the sanctuary one can observe wooden carvings of different animals such as cattle, elephants, water birds, etc. Ancient stone pillars can also be seen in the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies. In spite of repeated restorations over the centuries, the original church at Debre Damo still maintains the glamour and grace of the original church. Famous for its superior Christian scholarship, difficult location and ecclesiastical treasures, the monastery of Debre Damo stands out as a site of unvarnished, authentic monastic life. Young monks from all corners of the country flock to Debre Damo in pursuit of Christian learning. Even today, the monastery of Debre Damo is viewed as the Harvard of Christian scholarship in Tigray.
- Debre Dabo Church
Indeed, Debre Damo has become synonymous with monasticism in Tigray. According to the renowned scholar, Richard Pankhurst, Debre Damo "takes today's traveler into a past age and leaves him with a deeper understanding of the age—old and unique civilization than mere words can give. " Debre Damo is also rich in religious and royal treasures of national significance. Ancient coins that date back to as early as the 1st and 3rd century AD, which reveal Aksumite kingdom trade relations with India and Egypt, were discovered in Debre Damo. The feast of Debre Damo takes place on October 14 Ge'ez calendar (October 24 Gregorian calendar), and tens of thousands of pilgrims attend the occasion.