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Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Debre Berhan Selassie Church in Gondar, built in the late 17th century under Emperor Iyasu I, is famous for its extraordinary interior paintings and is considered a masterpiece of Ethiopian art. While most churches in Gondar were destroyed during the Mahdist Dervish invasion of 1888, this structure remained protected according to a legend that a swarm of bees drove away the attackers. The church stands out with its rectangular Gondarine-style construction, which differs from the common round churches. The highlight is the ceiling, decorated with 135 faces of winged cherubs looking in all directions, symbolizing the omnipresence of God. The walls are completely covered in frescoes depicting biblical scenes and the lives of saints in spirited, earthy tones. The name 'Mountain of Light of the Trinity' reflects the church's spiritual significance as a center of knowledge and prayer. Surrounded by a high stone wall with twelve towers representing the apostles, it remains one of the best-preserved and most visited religious sites in northern Ethiopia.

Location: Ethiopia
Top sights: Mentewab's Castle · Dawit's Hall · Palace of Iyasu I

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	23	23	23	20	18	18	19	19	19	19
Rain mm	1	5	18	41	115	200	377	368	200	65	19	7

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Debre Berhan Selassie Church in Gondar can be visited; the interior is open to visitors. Men and women must wear appropriate clothing covering knees and shoulders.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from about 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During morning and evening services, tourist access may be limited.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed without flash; the famous ceiling fresco with angel faces is a must. Flash can damage the sensitive paintings.

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Time needed

Plan about 30 minutes to 1 hour for the interior visit and church exterior. The surrounding compound with other historic buildings in Gondar can take half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with exploring the Royal Enclosures of Gondar (Fasil Ghebbi), just a few minutes' walk away. The Bath of Emperor Fasilides is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The church is located in central Gondar, reachable on foot from the city center or by tuk-tuk. Most hotels in Gondar also offer organized tours.

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Insider tip

Visit the church in the morning when the light through the windows highlights the paintings beautifully. Donate a small amount for the church's preservation.

Geography

Coordinates

12.61000, 37.47700

Facts

The church was built around 1690 under the reign of Emperor Iyasu I.
The ceiling features exactly 135 painted faces of winged cherubs.
It is one of the few churches to survive the Mahdist Dervish attack in 1888.
The outer wall has 12 towers representing the 12 apostles.
The paintings reflect the influence of the Gondarine style of Ethiopian art.
The building is rectangular, which was atypical for churches in that era.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fasil Ghebbi<1 km · SExplore →

Quskuam Complex3 km · SExplore →

Tre Fontane15 km · NEExplore →

Torre dei Gesuiti16 km · NExplore →

Mazara del Vallo20 km · NExplore →

Triscina20 km · NEExplore →

Selinunte24 km · NEExplore →

Porto Palo28 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Debre Berhan Selassie Church (7)

Mentewab's Castle 🏰 castle

Castle of Empress Mentewab from the 18th century in Gondar.

Dawit's Hall

Ruins of an imperial building in Ethiopia.

Palace of Iyasu I🏰 castle

Palace of Emperor Iyasu I in Gondar, built in the 17th century.

Water Cistern

Ancient cistern for water supply in the imperial city of Gondar.

Stables🏰 castle

Historical stables of the imperial court in Gondar.

Emperor Tewodros Square 'atsee teewoderose 'adabaabaaye

Square in Gondar named after Emperor Tewodros II.

Fasil bath

Ruins of a historical bath from the Fasilid period in Gondar.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Debre Berhan Selassie Church famous for?

It is world-famous for its ceiling paintings featuring the faces of hundreds of angels.

Where is this church located?

It is located in Gondar, Ethiopia, within a protective wall with twelve towers.

Why was the church not destroyed?

Legends say a swarm of bees drove away the attacking Mahdists in the 19th century.

What are the rules for visiting?

Shoes must be taken off at the entrance, and shoulders should be covered.

How long does a visit take?

You should plan for about 30 to 60 minutes to admire the details of the paintings.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church: where is it located?

Debre Berhan Selassie Church is located in Ethiopia.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church: what is there to see?

Highlights include Mentewab's Castle, Dawit's Hall, Palace of Iyasu I.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church: why is it worth visiting?

Debre Berhan Selassie Church in Gondar, built in the late 17th century under Emperor Iyasu I, is famous for its extraordinary interior paintings and is considered a masterpiece of Ethiopian art.

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