Debre Berhan Selassie Church Travel Guide: Top Sights in Ethiopia,

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Debre Berhan Selassie Church- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Religious Beliefs; Ethiopia; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Debre Berhan Selassie Church, located in the historical city of Gondar, Ethiopia, is a remarkable example of Ethiopian Christian architecture and religious art. Built in the 17th century during Emperor Iyasu I's reign, it is one of the few structures that survived the Mahdist War, adding a layer of mystique to its historical significance. The church's interior is renowned for its vibrant frescoes and unique ceiling adorned with 80 cherubic faces, each with a distinctive expression. As a cultural and spiritual landmark, it offers deep insights into Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and the nation's rich artistic traditions.

Operators offering tours in Ethiopia

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4.8

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Falasha Village

Reviews of Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Zeliha Günes

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-03

Looks boring on the outside but extraordinary on the inside. Ask a priest to open the gate for you and you can sit from different angles and enjoy the beautiful graphics on the walls and ceiling of the church. Gonder is definitely safe to visit in 2024 (we visited in march) if you just fly to here and back because roads for busses are blocked due to the armed conflict.
CK Cheong

4
Reviewed: 2023-07-09

Extraordinary church dating back to 17th century but was re-developed in 19th century when original was destroyed. The exterior is beautiful and rustic and the interior is filled with stunning colourful murals. Marvelous church with lots of local history, culture and flavour. Definitely worth a visit to see something that is unique
tadlo tesfaye

5
Reviewed: 2021-03-09

Was interesting, unforgettable movement, amazing place and fell to good, peace. Debire Birhan Selassie Church, meaning 'Trinity and Mountain of Light' is the most famous place of worship in Gondar. On approach, twelve rounded stone towers - representing the 12 apostles - stand stoically guarding the church, as they have done for centuries. The 13th tower, the tallest of the bunch, represents the Lion of Judah. Eagle-eyed visitors can see an imprint of the Lion on the top half of the tower. Originally built in the 17th century by Emperor Eyasu II, the present structure was redeveloped during the 1880s following a raid by marauding Sudanese Dervishes and lightning strike that reduced the original building to rubble.
Master Mind

4
Reviewed: 2020-02-02

An ancient and beautiful church with full of wall and roof painting known for its second Gondarian style. The biblical scenes are vividly remarkable and the interior paintings cover the walls and ceilings in richly applied red, blue and golden hues. Subjects include the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, seated above Christ on the Cross. There are a lot of stories attached with these paintings. It is an Stone building
Mal333

5
Reviewed: 2018-04-25

This is a stunning traditional church in Gondar. Externally the church has beautiful stone walls and wooden arched doors. But it is the internal areas that are particularly interesting, with extensive sacred Ethiopian art. This is where you will find the original paintings of angels on the ceiling. You are also likely to see an Ethiopian Orthodox Church priest clothed in white with a hand cross.