Travel Guide Adadi Mariam

This church, which stands in the middle of nowhere 5 km from Melka-Kunturé, was built on the model of the monolithic churches of Lalibela: carved out of the rock. It is the only surviving example in the south of the country, and dates back to the 12th or 13th century, during the Zagoué du Lasta dynasty. It bears witness to the expansion of Christianity in the region. Completely hidden under a canopy of vegetation, the church has ten doors symbolizing the Ten Commandments and twenty-four windows recalling the elders of the Apocalypse. The trenches along the peristyle bear witness to an ingenious water drainage system. Admission 50 birrs.