Adadi Maryam - Adadi Mariam / Tiya Stele

Adadi Mariam

Adadi Mariam is a subterranean rock-hewn church similar to those of Lalibela. This church is unique as it is the southern-most church of its type, and stands alone – no other rock-hewn churches are in the area. It has been surmised that King Lalibela ordered the construction of Adadi Mariam for his visit to southern Ethiopia. The site dates to the 13th century, but is still an active site of worship. While it dates to around the same time as the Tiya stelae, and is only ~30km north of them, Adadi Mariam provides a strong contrast to the pagan-like aura at Tiya.

Tiya World Heritage Site - Tiya Stele
Close by the Adadi Mariam church are the stelae of Tiya. The monuments – 36 in all – are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture, standing between 1 and 2 meters in height. Excavations have revealed that the site is an ancient cemetery, housing the remains of both males and females, aged from 18 to 30. Dating to between the 10th and 15th centuries, the stelae are covered in symbols whose meaning remains unknown. The swords and other symbols carved into the rock are unique to themselves; no other symbols of their type have been discovered. Tiya is easily accessible off a main road from Addis Ababa. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is relatively untouched by tourism compared to other parts of Ethiopia.
Late afternoon drive back to Addis
Melka Kunture - At Melka Kunture Archeological site we have a chance to see (nearly 2 million year old) discovered fossils of prehistoric age. The stone in the area dating 1:5 million year old

• Private transportation
• Professional Tour guide
• Ethiopian coffee/tea
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Personal needs
• Tips for the guide and driver

Explore Ethiopia’s fascinating history with a full-day private tour of three significant ancient sites near Addis Ababa. Visit the UNESCO-listed Tiya, known for its ancient standing stones, the Adadi Mariam Rock-Hewn Church, and the Melka Kunture Prehistoric Site, where tools dating back 1.5 million years were discovered.

• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle

• A professional driver/guide will accompany you

• Experience the country’s rich heritage

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.