Yeha Temple

The Temple of Yeha is recognized as the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia, dating back to around the 8th to 7th century BC. Constructed during the reign of the kingdom of D'mt (Da'amat), this monumental dry-stone tower was built without mortar using perfectly fitted blocks of smooth-dressed limestone. Standing nearly 14 meters high, the tower served as a major religious temple dedicated to South Arabian and local deities before the advent of Christianity. Adjacent to the ancient temple stands the 6th-century monastery church of Abuna Aftse, highlighting thousands of years of uninterrupted architectural and spiritual history at the site.