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The jutting rocks and cliffs of Tigrey region are striking formations in themselves, made even more remarkable by the churches cut into many of their peaks. Some of these churches are dated to even earlier than those of Lalibela, possibly from the 4th century AD.
The region, once known for aridity and desertification, has recently invested in improving its fertility with projects such as water collection and terracing, and was in 2017 given a gold award by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Many of the slopes and hillsides of the region are now lush, green and covered in flowers, making their contrast with the stark auburn peaks even more arresting.
Possibly the most extraordinary site for a church is that of Abuna Yemata Goh, built by a saint of the same name. The church is reached by a 2-hour climb up the cliff, which includes a section of clambering up a sheer rock-face using handholds and footholds in the rock. It’s said that no one has fallen while doing the climb because the nine apostles – stone pinnacles surrounding the church – are watching over climbers. Experts believe the paintings on the walls and roof of the church are the most sophisticated of their type.
There are huge numbers of churches in the area, some of which are yet to be explored. Notable amongst these are Wukro Kirkos, Tigrey’s earliest church, Abuna Gebre Mikael, set into the base of a cliff, and Debre Maryam Korkor, with its unexpected pillars and arches.
Mekele, the capital of Tigrey region, is a vibrant and welcoming town with several markets, a surprisingly high number of bars and cafés, and an attractive web of cobbled walking streets.
Formed before the formation of the Rift Valley, the Simian Mountains were created by an outpouring of lava after a volcanic eruption between 40 and 25 million years ago, while the dramatic escarpment was created by an extended up-thrust that could have happened as much as 75 million years ago. The mountains are ...
This tall cream building towers over Mekele. This welcoming town is the gateway to both the Tigrey Region with its extraordinary rock churches, and the Afar Region with Danakil Depression, Asale salt lake and Erte Ale volcano. There are 120 en-suite rooms in the main building and 64 in a separate building, ...
This Italian-owned lodge, set high on a hill, has super views of the rocky mountains that make Tigrey so striking. The 34 en-suite rooms are dotted around the hillside, 2 to each cottage. All the cottages are built according to local tradition, with stone walls held together without cement. All rooms have ...
This Italian owned lodge faces one of Tigrey’s most spectacular rock formations, bestowing on guests the changing colours of this view throughout the day. The 8 en-suite cottages are glass-fronted to maximise the stunning view, and can be single, double, family or twin as required. With cream walls, wicker furniture, ...
Planet Hotel is situated in Mekele, gateway to the region of Tigrey and its extraordinary churches carved from rocks. There are 120 en-suite rooms, made up of standard, twin, queen, king, suite bedroom, and executive suite. All rooms have satellite TV, intercom telephone, minibar, wired internet, Wifi, safe, hairdryer, toiletries, kettle, ...