Journey south of the capital to uncover the enigmatic history of Ethiopia’s medieval period on this curated archaeological expedition to Tiya and the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam. This professionally designed tour is for history enthusiasts seeking to visit two of the country’s most significant heritage sites in a single day. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiya, home to mysterious 12th-century megalithic pillars, and witness the southern-most rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam, a site of deep spiritual significance. From prehistoric sites to traditional village life, this journey provides a deep immersion into the architectural wonders of the Ethiopian highlands.
Departing Addis Ababa at 8:30 AM, we drive south toward the archaeological site of Melka Kunture, a prehistoric location that offers insight into early human life in the Awash Valley. We then continue to Adadi Mariam, a 13th-century rock-hewn church. Carved out of a single piece of solid tuff rock, this subterranean church is similar in style to the famous churches of Lalibela and remains an active center of worship for the local community.
We enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch in a local setting, often featuring specialties from the Gurage region. After lunch, we reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiya. This ancient cemetery contains 36 monolithic stelae, some standing over 2 meters tall. Our expert guide will explain the mysterious sword and leaf-like engravings that experts believe signify the status of those buried beneath these medieval megaliths.
In the afternoon, we take a short walk through a nearby Gurage village to observe the unique circular “Enset” (False Banana) houses and learn about the local agricultural practices. We then begin our scenic return drive through the rolling hills of the southern highlands, arriving back in Addis Ababa by approximately 5:30 PM.
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FromPrice on Request
Lucy Ethiopia Tours
Serina hotel ( 4rth floor),
Bekelech St, 2Q4M+RV8,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251 91 355 0959
+251 91 156 0986
info@lucyethiopiatours.com
kiros@lucyethiopiatours.com
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