Debre Tsion Abraham church in the Gheralta Cluster of Tigray region.

© Vladimir Melnik/Shutterstock

Abuna Abraham

Top choice


Rectangular in shape, with six massive free-standing pillars, this large and impressive 14th-century church (also known as Debre Tsion) is known for its diverse architectural features, including decorated cupolas, bas-reliefs and carved crosses on the walls and ceiling. It also has beautiful, though faded and damaged, 16th-century murals and an unusual, large 15th-century ceremonial fan. It sits like a fortress on a hill about 500m south of Dugem.

It can be accessed either from Dugem or the same parking area as Yohannes Maequdi. Either way it’s a steep one-hour walk up the back of the mountain.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Yohannes Maequdi

1.13 MILES

High atop the mountain and not visible from the ground below, this rectangular chapel has six freestanding pillars that support a ceiling carved with…

2. Dugem Selassie

1.83 MILES

Built into a small outcrop rather than a big hill, this church feels like a tomb and may have been one before being converted. The 19th-century ‘new’…

3. Maryam Papaseit

2.03 MILES

In a pretty valley south of Hawzien and signposted off the Megab-Wukro road, Maryam Papaseit is one of the most accessible and rewarding churches in the…

4. Maryam Korkor

5.2 MILES

Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and…

5. Daniel Korkor

5.21 MILES

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from Maryam Korkor is the seldom-used church of Daniel Korkor. It sits atop a paralysing precipice, offers astounding views…

6. Abuna Yemata Guh

6.13 MILES

There's nowhere on earth quite like Abuna Yemata Guh. Although less impressive architecturally than most, the church is spectacularly sited within a cliff…

7. Abraha We Atsbeha

7.28 MILES

Architecturally speaking, this 10th-century church is one of Tigray’s finest. It’s large and cruciform in shape, with cruciform pillars and…

8. Abuna Gebre Mikael

8.76 MILES

Though not visited very often, this is considered one of Gheralta’s finest churches. The cruciform plan is hewn into a dome-like rock and it has good…