Hawzen

Hawzen is an ancient settlement that has grown into a vital starting point for one of Ethiopia's most dramatic adventures. Visitors flock here primarily to explore the Gheralta mountains, which conceal ancient, intricately carved rock-hewn churches atop steep pinnacles. The thrill of climbing to these sacred sites is matched only by the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The natural landscape around Hawzen is truly mesmerizing, featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs and stark, semi-arid plains. The local culinary scene is traditional, focusing on hearty Tigrayan dishes designed to fuel adventurous hikers. Fresh injera, spicy shiro, and robust local honey are visitor favorites. Accessible by road from Mekelle, the journey to Hawzen takes a couple of hours through scenic terrain. The optimal time for visiting is during the dry season from October to April, avoiding the heavy rains that can make the steep mountain ascents to the churches dangerous.

Nearby cities

Mekelle

The capital of the Tigray region and one of the most important economic centers in the north.

Adigrat

The largest city in the northern Tigray region near the border with Eritrea.

Shire

Also known as Inda Selassie, it is a strategically important city in the western Tigray region.

Aksum

The center of the ancient Aksumite Empire, a city of great historical and religious importance.

Alamata

A town in the southern Tigray region located in a fertile agricultural plain.

Wukro

A town in the Tigray region famous for its rock-hewn churches.

Maychew

Maychew is a historic town in the Tigray Region, surrounded by picturesque mountains and known for its pleasant highland climate.

History & landmarks

Al Nejashi Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Africa, marking the early presence of Islam in the region.

Debre Damo

A spectacular 6th-century monastery situated on an isolated flat-topped mountain in Tigray.

Yeha

Yeha is Ethiopia's oldest standing settlement, renowned for its magnificent Great Temple dating back to the 7th century BC.

King Ezana's Stela

An ancient obelisk in Axum that has remained standing since its erection, showcasing intricate carvings.

Obelisk of Axum

A towering stele that stands as a remarkable testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Aksumite Empire.

Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

The most important church in Ethiopia, believed to hold the legendary Ark of the Covenant.

Dallol

An otherworldly landscape of colorful hot springs and salt formations in the Danakil Depression.

Nature

More places

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Al Nejashi Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Africa, founded in the 7th century.

Wukro Chirkos

A monolithic rock-hewn church made of reddish sandstone in the Tigray Region, likely dating from the 8th century.

Debre Damo Monastery

A 6th-century monastery situated on an isolated, steep-sided flat-topped mountain.

Mekelle Industrial Park

A major industrial complex in northern Ethiopia attracting foreign direct investment in manufacturing.

Mekelle Dry Port

The main logistics hub in the Tigray region, connecting northern industrial zones with international ports.

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Great Temple of Yeha

The oldest surviving building in Ethiopia, a tower dating to around 700 BC.

Adwa Battlefield

The site of the historic Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army, thereby preserving Ethiopia's independ…

Tomb of King Kaleb

Two adjacent underground crypts in Axum attributed to the 6th-century King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel.