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Debre Damo.
Debre Damo is the name of a flat-topped mountain, or amba and a 6th century monastery in northern Ethiopia. The mountain is a steeply rising plateau of, about 1000 by 400 meters in dimension, it sits at an elevation of 2216 meters above sea level. It is located west of Adigrat in the Tigray Region. The monastery, accessible only by rope up a sheer cliff, is known for its collection of early Christian manuscripts and for having the earliest existing church building in Ethiopia still in its original style. Tradition claims the monastery was founded in the AD 622.
Climbing ropes is never easy but at over 7,000 feet above sea level the lack of oxygen coupled, in my case, with a fear of heights, makes access a bit of a challenge.
Given its close proximity to the border with Eritrea the monastery has resident guards one of whom was kind enough to offer to carry my cameras up for me.
If you are ever in the region do pay a visit - the location is unique and the atmosphere there is incredible. However women are not allowed so Im afraid chaps you are on your own. Oh by the way, if you think getting up there is difficult coming down is worse.
Copyright Paul Strawson - Blog ref: 68
