The Debre Damo monastery is a remarkable site, sitting atop an isolated, flat-topped mountain in the northern part of Tigray. This sixth-century monastery stands apart from most others in Ethiopia, featuring curved wooden panels and painted ceilings that celebrate the legend of Saint (Abune) Aregawi. The monastery's history is rooted in the "Nine Saints" who came to Ethiopia from Syria to spread Christianity. Saint Aregawi was one of them, and he is believed to have settled on this very mountain.

Today, Debre Damo is a prominent monastic and educational center for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, renowned for its extensive collection of priceless and well-preserved manuscripts. Many books have been written here and distributed to churches throughout Ethiopia, solidifying its place as a significant cultural and historical treasure.

Access to the monastery is a unique and thrilling experience. Visitors must make a daring climb up the cliff face using a plaited leather rope. A monk at the top lowers the rope, and visitors are pulled up after tying it around their waist. It is important to note that the monastery is accessible to men only.