Gheralta Lodge

Top choice in Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray


In a word: fantastic. This lovely Italian-owned, African-themed lodge has great facilities and service and many guests declare it their best night in Ethiopia. Rooms in the stone buildings are large and lovely. Don’t miss eating at the restaurant, which provides a set Italian-inspired menu (lunch/dinner Birr210/250) that may be some of the finest food you eat in Ethiopia.

Book as far ahead as possible.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray attractions

1. Dugem Selassie

5.09 MILES

Built into a small outcrop rather than a big hill, this church feels like a tomb and may have been one before being converted. The 19th-century ‘new’…

2. Daniel Korkor

5.26 MILES

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from Maryam Korkor is the seldom-used church of Daniel Korkor. It sits atop a paralysing precipice, offers astounding views…

3. Maryam Korkor

5.27 MILES

Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and…

4. Abuna Yemata Guh

6.51 MILES

There's nowhere on earth quite like Abuna Yemata Guh. Although less impressive architecturally than most, the church is spectacularly sited within a cliff…

5. Abuna Abraham

6.68 MILES

Rectangular in shape, with six massive free-standing pillars, this large and impressive 14th-century church (also known as Debre Tsion) is known for its…

6. Yohannes Maequdi

7.25 MILES

High atop the mountain and not visible from the ground below, this rectangular chapel has six freestanding pillars that support a ceiling carved with…

7. Maryam Papaseit

8.49 MILES

In a pretty valley south of Hawzien and signposted off the Megab-Wukro road, Maryam Papaseit is one of the most accessible and rewarding churches in the…

8. Abuna Gebre Mikael

9.71 MILES

Though not visited very often, this is considered one of Gheralta’s finest churches. The cruciform plan is hewn into a dome-like rock and it has good…