A man entering the grass and moss covered bastion of the island monastery, Narga Selassie, on Lake Tana

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Narga Selassie

Top choice in Lake Tana & its Monasteries


Set in the middle of the lake on Dek Island, Narga Selassie is peaceful, atmospheric and little visited. Built in the mid-18th century, it has a Gonderian influence and the fine original paintings include a portrait of Mentewab and there’s also a bas-relief of James Bruce (smoking his pipe) at the main entrance. It’s three hours by boat and a two-minute walk from the landing.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Tana & its Monasteries attractions

1. Dega Estefanos

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One of the lake’s most sacred monasteries, Dega Estefanos (men only) was rebuilt in the mid-19th century and though the church isn’t too interesting, it…

2. Bete Selassie

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Bete Selassie (men only) is a 30- to 45-minute walk inland from the Lake Tana shore at Zege Peninsula. The simple exterior of the church (rebuilt in 1858)…

3. Azuwa Maryam

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4. Zeghie Satekela Museum

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Outside the gate to Ura Kidane Meret is the private Zeghie Satekela Museum, with a collection of household items displayed in a 300-year-old home.

5. Ura Kidane Meret

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The Zege Peninsula’s largest and most famous monastery is hardly the most attractive on the outside, but its maqdas (inner sanctuary) is beautifully…

6. Bete Giorgis

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7. Bete Maryam

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Founded in the 13th century, Bete Maryam, near the tip of the peninsula, is the oldest monastery on Zege and its attractive church has some excellent…

8. Tana Cherkos

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