• Adadi Maryam - Adadi Mariam / Tiya Stele

Adadi Mariam

Adadi Mariam is a subterranean rock-hewn church akin to those found in Lalibela. This church is distinctive as it is the southernmost of its kind and stands alone, with no other rock-hewn churches nearby. It is believed that King Lalibela commissioned the construction of Adadi Mariam for his journey to southern Ethiopia. The site dates back to the 13th century and remains an active place of worship. Although it dates to around the same period as the Tiya stelae and is located approximately 30km north of them, Adadi Mariam offers a stark contrast to the pagan-like atmosphere at Tiya.

• Tiya World Heritage Site - Tiya Stele

Nearby the Adadi Mariam church are the stelae of Tiya. These monuments, totaling 36, are remnants of an ancient Ethiopian culture, standing between 1 and 2 meters tall. Excavations have uncovered that the site is an ancient cemetery, containing the remains of both males and females, aged 18 to 30. Dating from the 10th to the 15th centuries, the stelae are adorned with symbols whose meanings remain a mystery. The swords and other symbols carved into the rock are unique, with no similar symbols found elsewhere. Tiya is conveniently accessible from a main road leading from Addis Ababa. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains relatively untouched by tourism compared to other regions of Ethiopia.

Late afternoon drive back to Addis

• Melka Kunture - At the Melka Kunture Archaeological site, there is an opportunity to view fossils from the prehistoric age, nearly 2 million years old. The stones in the area date back 1.5 million years.

• 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.