Debre Libanos Monastery & the Portuguese Bridge
ደብረ ሊባኖስ ገዳም
Founded by Saint Tekle Haymanot in the 13th century, Debre Libanos is one of Ethiopian Orthodoxy's holiest monasteries, rebuilt by Haile Selassie with luminous stained glass. Ten minutes away, the 19th-century 'Portuguese' Bridge overlooks the vast Jemma River gorge, where gelada troops graze within metres of visitors.
☀️ Local tip
Full-day tour from Addis (~8am-5pm); waterfall flows best in/after the rains. Dress modestly for the monastery and check current road security conditions with your operator.
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