Travel article
Historical sites in Eritrea
Welcome to the Debrebizen Monastery Church
If
you’re looking to explore heritage sites in Eritrea, I would
like to tell you about one of the historical places in our country. Debrebizen is one
of the entreat monasteries and an important place to visit.
It is the most well-known monastery of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church
and is located on the East coast of the red sea. This monastery was founded by
Abune Phillips in 1361 A.D.
Debrebzien (Mount Bizen)
is very popular place for the Eritrean people especially those who are
religious. People usually go for three or more day’s trip once a year for two
reasons. The main reason that people are keen to go this place is that it has an
historical church built entirely of pink granite which has been cut into the
sides of huge smooth rocks. 
Another reason is that
they want to get spiritually blessed and to take photos sitting on the top of
the historical rocks and mountains. I went there twice when I was in Eritrea.
It was a great experience for me. I saw the historical church with the
beautiful icons and the written words which describe the holy place. It also
has a collection of embroidered ecclesiastical robes, umbrellas, wooden curved
crosses and other artifacts.
However, the monastery has got a special rule which
states it is possible for men to visit there, but woman are denied entrance to
the monastery and its surroundings. This rule also applies to all female pack
animals.
If you start the trip
from Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, you go by car or train to the town of
Nefasit, a small city near the monastery. The cost of the transport is not
expensive. It costs around 25 Nakfa (Eritrean currency) which is approximately
1 USA dollar. Food and accommodation are free if you stay in the monastery.
Everything is organized for the guests who come to visit the monastery. For
example, different rooms are available for sharing with others and food is prepared only by the men. People who are
really passionate about coffee, tea and suwa (a traditional drink) are also
served with friendly and warm welcome by the old style men.
This heritage monastery
has a fascinating history and
it is extremely different from other places because only the males live there. The
annual celebration of Debre Bizen is on August 11.
In my opinion, this is
an essential place for tourists who need to visit historical styles and for
monks to practice a sacred life. Furthermore, the most pleased time for Debre
Bizen is on its annual celebrated day because you can enjoy different kind of
spiritual song and can all the historical side of the monastery.
First established in the 14th
Century AD, in the year 1360, by Abune Filipos
Reverenced:
www.eritrea.be/old/eritrea-hamasien.htm
