Adadi Maryam

A vibrant congregation is a part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church at this location. In the 12th or 13th century, this church was hewn out of a single block of solid rock after the common era.

According to a local tradition, the monastery's origin can be traced back to 1106 AD, when King Lalibela paid a visit to the nearby Ziquala Abo Monastery.

A rock-hewn church known as Adadi Mariam can be found in the vicinity of Addis Ababa. The name of the church is written in Amharic as '.'

'Adadi Mariam' is also called Adadi Mariyam, or Adadi Maryam.

It is 12 kilometers west of the main road connecting Addis Ababa and Butajira. The location of Adadi Mariam is at an elevation of 1900 meters, equivalent to 6,235 feet above sea level.

THINGS TO DO AT ADADI MARIAM:

• Learn everything you need to know about the history of the Adadi Mariyam Rock Church:

The arrival of a famous Egyptian Saint named Abune Gabre Menfes Qedus in Ethiopia is connected to Adadi Mariam's founding, according to the legend. This saint is known as Qedus.

The Saint, also known by his abbreviated name 'ABO,' arrived in Ethiopia around the same time that King Lalibela was finishing up the construction of the 11 rock churches of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia.

After making his way to the churches of Lalibela, Abo continued his journey to Mount Zuqualla (also spelled as Ziquala or Ziqawla), where he founded the Zuqualla Abo Monastery.

After some time, King Lalibela went to the Zuquala Abo Monastery. During that time, King Lalibela established the Adadi Mariam Church, either guided by Heavenly Visions or Abune Gabre Menfes Qedus for spiritual guidance.

• See the interior of the rock-hewn building:

A liturgical bell, a cross, and a sacred rock can be found in the garden of the site, which can be seen from the outside of the building. Additionally, many stairs lead to three different entrances. In keeping with the structure of other Ethiopian orthodox churches, this one is divided into three sections. The interior contains the skeletal remains of various holy people.

• Attend services at the remarkable Adadi Mariam Rock Church (13th Century AD):

Saint Mary's Day is celebrated on the 21st day of every Ethiopian month, and it is in honor of Saint Mary that Adadi Mariam was created. On these days, you will have the opportunity to participate in a church service of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which will also be attended by several pilgrims traveling from Addis Ababa.

• Investigate the long-forgotten burial ground of Tiya (UNESCO World Heritage from 14th Century AD):

The site of the Steles of Tiya is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (a grave site from the 14th Century AD). While viewing the enormous carved heavy stones of Tiya, you can educate yourself on Ethiopian history.

Tiya is most well-known for its archaeological site, distinguished by 36 standing stones or stelae, '32 of which are engraved with enigmatic symbols, most notably swords,' and marks a large, prehistoric burial complex. The site was discovered in the 18th century.

• Visit the homes of locals for a cultural experience and to learn how to make enjera (Ethiopian bread):

Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and understand how coffee is enjoyed as part of a ceremony.

• Participate in a cultural market that is held once per week (Sundays and Thursdays):

The Oromo people hold a weekly cultural market in the town of Adadi, which can be visited if you are in the area on Thursdays or Sundays. This is an added benefit of traveling to Adadi on those days.

• Visit some of the viewpoints along the route to get a better look at the Great East African Rift Valley:

The prehistoric site known as Melka Kunture has yielded the discovery of many stone tools and fossils dating back 1.8 million years. In addition to the open excavation site, which is located down a path that is occasionally muddy, there are examples displayed in four tukuls (huts), including tools used by the Homo erectus that once inhabited the area.