Debre Birhan Selassie Church
4.7
Gondar1 hour
Historic Orthodox church
About
Debre Birhan Selassie (Trinity and Mountain of Light) is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Ethiopia. While its exterior is simple and thatched, the interior is covered from floor to ceiling with vibrant, hand-painted murals depicting stories of saints, biblical scenes, and martyrdom. The church is globally celebrated for its ceiling, which features dozens of unique, angel-faced icons looking down at the sanctuary.
Highlights
What makes this place special
01
The Angel-Faced Ceiling
Scores of beautifully painted black angels looking down from the wooden ceiling beams.
02
Vibrant interior murals
Exquisitely detailed, 17th-century paintings depicting the life of Christ and Saint George.
03
Historic thatched roof
The traditional, round stone architecture surrounded by mature juniper trees.
Things to Know
Tips for your visit
- •All visitors must remove their shoes and leave them outside the entrance carpet before stepping inside
- •Women and men are requested to enter the building through separate, designated wooden doors
- •Women are traditionally requested to cover their head and shoulders with a scarf when entering the sanctuary
