Yemrehana Krestos Church Travel Guide: Top Sights in Ethiopia, Tours

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Yemrehana Krestos Church- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Religious Beliefs; Ethiopia; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Yemrehana Krestos Church, located in Ethiopia's Amhara Region, is a well-preserved example of Aksumite-influenced architecture, built from stone and wood within a vast cave on Mount Abuna Yosef. Likely constructed in the 11th or 12th century, it is attributed to King Yemrehana Krestos and features intricate carvings, original mural paintings, and a distinctive layered wall design. The cave also houses a tomb and a collection of skeletal remains, believed to belong to monks and pilgrims. Once accessible only by a long trek, the site is now reached via a road built in 2000, making it more accessible from Lalibela.

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Reviews of Yemrehana Krestos Church

Omega Interior

5
Reviewed: 2025-02-02

One of the most ancient Ethiopian Orthodox historical place
Matthias Legese

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-08

Yimrehana krestos church Is one of among lalibela rock hewn churches! It's built thousand years ago by the king yimrehana kirstos! It's far away 40 or 50 kilometers from lalibela town!
Steven Wunderink

3
Reviewed: 2019-05-05

Long walk. Up hill for a small church. Good colors and drawings there. Make sure you see all the skeletons in the back of the cave.
Mical Fekadu

5
Reviewed: 2017-05-22

This cave church built before 1000 years ago by King Yemrehane with marvilous architecture concept.you want to see place get ready for almost 2km stair to walk until the cave entrance. After you visit the church you should try the local food callef"dikus" made of hot pepper.
A H

4
Reviewed: 2015-12-30

It's about 1.5hrs drive from lalibella via bad roads. Transport for a private minibus should be not more than 1200 birr. Landrover not more than 1500 birr. Entrance fee for the church is 300 birr per person. A guide is around 500 Birr per group. The church is different to the churches in lalibella and the oldest in the region so it is worth the trip.