Monastery of Maryam Dibbo: A Hidden Spiritual Retreat in Tigrai

Monastery of Maryam Dibbo, located 12 km south-east of Atsbi, sits at the border between the Tigrai and Afar regions of Ethiopia, towering at an altitude of 2,901 meters above sea level. Founded in 615 AD by Atse Kaleb, and later reorganized by his son Atse Gebre Meskel in 637 AD, this remote monastery remains a peaceful haven for monastic life.

With its serene location amidst forests and its distance from urban centers, Maryam Dibbo is the perfect sanctuary for reflection and spiritual growth. Today, over 70 monks continue to live in harmony with nature, engaging in agricultural activities like animal husbandry, bee farming, and the production of clothing to sustain their daily life. The monastery is well known for its strong church education and commitment to preserving ancient religious traditions.

For those seeking to connect with Ethiopia’s ancient spiritual heritage, the Monastery of Maryam Dibbo offers a profound and serene experience, far from the bustle of modern life. The journey to this tranquil retreat is not just a visit—it’s an immersion into the rich spiritual tapestry of Ethiopia’s historic monastic traditions.