Tourist attractions around
Dessie
HAIQ ESTIFANOS
The polico- religious
monasteries of Haiq Estifanos are found north of Dessie. The famous church was
so popular with religious scholars and great contributors to the restoration of
the Solomonic dynasty in Lalibela in the 13th century. Only monks are living and
serving in it. The monastery preserves wooden and stone relics of the days of
its foundation.
GISHEN
MARIAM
This church was built in a marvelous (table land)
landscape. It is one of the most sacred churches. Underneath of the church the
original fragrance of the True Cross is buried. Emperor Zerea – Yeaekob
the 15th century Ethiopia king is said to have brought the piece of the “True
cross” here.
It is celebrated on October 1st for the commemoration
of St. Mary day. This historical church is built on a cross shaped landscape.
Thousands of pilgrims come here on October 1st, its annual celebration day; to
commemorate the occasion. It is located west of Dessie after mounting the Zigzag
rood crossing the Bishlo River.
MEQDELA
The power of the Gondarine
Empire was eventually weakened by the presence of the Oromo, as well as by the
doctrinal disputes that had undermined the Church. Real power passed to regional
warlords in what is called the Era of the Princes, the decades of civil war that
ended in 1855 when Kasa Haylu defeated his rivals and became the emperor Tewodros
II and he made his capital at Meqdela.
Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia
committed suicide in 1868 after being defatted by the troops sent by Queen Victoria
of UK.
At Meqdela, besides its beautiful scenery, one can visit the Sebastopol
Canyon, the old church and his graveyard. It is the best one of the place for
both for trekkers and for historians. (No drive but on mule or walking only.)
