Asheton St. Maryam Monastery

Perched at an altitude of over 3,100 meters on the sheer cliff faces of Mount Abuna Yosef, Asheten Maryam (Asheton Mariam) is a semi-monolithic cave monastery overlooking the historic town of Lalibela. Believed to have been initiated by King Lalibela and completed by his successor King Na'akuto La'ab in the 13th century, reaching this mountain sanctuary requires a scenic trek or mule ride up steep winding highland trails. Visitors are rewarded with expansive 360-degree views of the Lasta highlands and a rare collection of ancient illuminated manuscripts, procession crosses, and royal relics.