Debre Bizen is an Orthodox Tewahedo Church monastery located at the top of the Debre Bizen Mountain near Nefasit. It has an important library with many Ge’ez manuscripts. The monastery was founded in the 1350s and was damaged during Ottoman rule in the sixteenth century.

The monastery is beautifully located like a crow’s nest way up high on the top of the mountain. The only way to get there is a two-hour journey with a rewarding spectacular view of the area once you’re on top. We’ll start our day after breakfast, driving to the town of Nefasit, about  25 km down the hair-pin bends of the Asmara- Massawa road. The monastery is the symbol of Christianity in Eritrea, where many saints and explorers have been buried. It will take us up to 3 to 4 hours to go all the way up, depending on your physical condition. We ask you to bring plenty of water (at least 3 liter), lunch, fast sugars, energy bars and fruits such as bananas.

Once we’ve reached our destination you’ll be amazed by the spectacular views and you’ll have the chance to have a tour around the monastery which consists of pink granite buildings cut into the sides of huge rocks. We find African olives growing in the monastery which look very similar to the European ones. We’ll also visit the modern part and the museum, home to over a thousand ancient manuscripts and other artifacts.

The monks live in an egalitarian society and live from what they cultivate and drink the rainwater they collect. They dedicate their lives to teaching and preaching of love and brotherhood. Anyone coming to the monastery is welcome to receive shelter, food and clothes. The monks will be happy to show you around and tell you everything about the monastery and themselves.

The best views are of course at sunset, but given that we cannot walk in the dark, we need to go back in time. It is possible to stay at the monastery overnight, but we don’t want to abuse the hospitality of the monks and use their place as a hotel for tourists. We make sure we don’t run too many tours over there and leave gaps in between our visits. Please, ask us if it’s possible to visit during your time of travel.

Even though you’ll miss sunset, the views of the sea and Dahlak Islands and the southern mountains are the most impressive in Eritrea. After our stay, we’ll go back down, which is another 2 hour walk and then head back to Asmara in the late afternoon.

This tour is only for men as women are not allowed in the monastery. Make sure you are fit to do this tour, apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat and bring enough water and food. Remember that you’ll be going to a holy site. If you wear shorts and sandals or inappropriate clothing we might deny you joining our tour. Be sure to wear adequate shoes and good socks. 

Includes:
– Professional local guide (English or Italian)
– Travel permits
– Transport (public)
– Guided visit to the monastery