Asheton St. Maryam Monastery | አሽተን ቅድስት ማርያም ገዳም
4.6
(41)
4.5
(134)
4.6
•(41)
4.5
(134)
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
About
Asheton St. Maryam Monastery, located at an elevation of 3150m atop Abune Yosef mountain, offers a unique experience for visitors. The monastery is accessed via a challenging five-hour climb from Lalibela or a shorter hike from the car park. The journey to the monastery provides stunning views of the dramatic mountain scenery and rock-hewn caves along the way. Visitors can also explore sacred artifacts such as a rare bible and holy crosses within the monastery.Why you should go
- Experience breathtaking views of Lalibela and its surroundings from atop Abune Yosef mountain
- Explore an active mountain monastery with cave churches offering blessings with holy water
- Enjoy a unique journey through picturesque villages while traveling to the monastery
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Highlighted reviews
Best place if you can I recommend hike to mountain it has best view
The journey to the monastery is much more enjoyable than the monastery itself. It’s another example of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s greed, asking for an entrance fee of 30 dollars. This is absolutely absurd, and I say this as someone who loves monasteries. But this fee is simply too much – it’s money wasted here. However, the surrounding area and the journey through the villages with stunning views of Lalibela and the surroundings are definitely worth it. If you take a tuk-tuk, you can have it stop at the best spots for photos.
It’s 20$ usd cash per person to enter, which is extortionate. Not included with your 100$ church ticket. Wait for the lady at the blue sign to pay. Do not give money to anyone else except at the monastery entrance sign.
The monastery itself is mildly interesting. The views of canyons and farms along the way are beautiful. The hike + visit will take you about 5 hours round trip including breaks, starting from the town center. Expect the usual tip hassling along the way, though much less than Lalibela proper.
A guide is not needed, you can follow the route on google maps though there is a minor shortcut along a sketchy cliff trail you might not find on your own
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Know before you go
- Consider visiting in early morning or late afternoon for better weather conditions during the climb
- Take a tuk-tuk up to Asheton St. Maryam Monastery but negotiate prices beforehand
- Be prepared for an entrance fee ranging from $20-$30 USD per person; ensure you pay at designated points only
- Expect tip hassling along the way but less compared to other tourist areas like Lalibela proper
Reviews
Asheton St. Maryam Monastery, located atop Abune Yosef mountain in Lalibela, Ethiopia, offers a unique experience with its stunning views of the surrounding area and villages. While some reviewers find the entrance fee of $30 or $20 USD per person excessive for the monastery itself, they praise the journey through picturesque villages and recommend taking a tuk-tuk to stop at scenic spots for photos. The rocky mountaintop provides a beautiful setting with a 360° view of canyons and farms along the way. Visitors suggest visiting in early morning or late afternoon due to the challenging climb and mention ongoing construction of a roof and museum on-site. Despite not being as intricately built as Lalibela's churches, Asheton St. Maryam Monastery is still worth exploring for its historical significance dating back to King Lalibela's time.Review score
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Best place if you can I recommend hike to mountain it has best view
The journey to the monastery is much more enjoyable than the monastery itself. It’s another example of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s greed, asking for an entrance fee of 30 dollars. This is absolutely absurd, and I say this as someone who loves monasteries. But this fee is simply too much – it’s money wasted here. However, the surrounding area and the journey through the villages with stunning views of Lalibela and the surroundings are definitely worth it. If you take a tuk-tuk, you can have it stop at the best spots for photos.
It’s 20$ usd cash per person to enter, which is extortionate. Not included with your 100$ church ticket. Wait for the lady at the blue sign to pay. Do not give money to anyone else except at the monastery entrance sign.
The monastery itself is mildly interesting. The views of canyons and farms along the way are beautiful. The hike + visit will take you about 5 hours round trip including breaks, starting from the town center. Expect the usual tip hassling along the way, though much less than Lalibela proper.
A guide is not needed, you can follow the route on google maps though there is a minor shortcut along a sketchy cliff trail you might not find on your own
Though not intricately built as the churches in Lalibela, going to this place is worth it just for the experience of getting there and seeing the surrounding area. I would recommend going there in the early morning or late afternoon as the climb takes it toll. The road to the church is not yet built so beware. Take a three wheeled taxies to there from city center as it would be cheaper for there to wait for you when you get down or hike. enjoy.
Amazing location for a little monastery, it’s worth the Climb here. The rocky mountaintop of this sacred mountain is beautiful and the 360° view of the surroundings spectacular.
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