Debre Damo, located 48 kms from Axum, is the oldest monastery of the nation which dates back to the early Axumite times. It is closed to female visitors. Even for men, it needs some courage to access the monastery, as one need to use a rope to climb the 24 mts (78 ft) high cliff.

The cool celestial island of rock offers the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and complete seclusion and peace for the hundreds or so monks and deacons who live there.

The treasures include an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts among the oldest surviving fragments of texts not found anywhere in Ethiopia.