Ura Kidane Mihret
Ura Kidane Mihret
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Minstrel115
Victoria, Canada385 contributions
Feb 2020
Took a boat trip on Lake Tana and visited this church on Zege Peninsula. Walked through the line of vendors from ura port (the boat landing) about 15 minutes to reach this convent complex. Founded in the 14th century, this church is dated in the 16th century. The interior was decorated with brightly coloured murals. The faithful are painted with 2 eyes, while the unfaithful are painted with only one eye. The nearby treasury (museum) has some display of robes and old bibles. Cover the head with the scarf for ladies and long pants for gents, just to show them respect.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia2,932 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Nicely coloured/painted church that is about 0.5km from the docking point for the boats. Walk is uphill but not steep. Ground is rocky and uneven in parts and path is lined by souvenir stalls selling paintings, jewellery and crosses.
The museum/ treasury building is underwhelming- poorly displayed robes, crowns and religious artworks. Signage is lacking. Room was full of smoke from incense some found it hard to breathe well in there.
The church is lovely- looks like a round chook house from outside but inside is lovely. painted floor to ceiling showing bible stories from the old and new testaments. First time I have ever seen images of Mary breast feeding baby Jesus! It's very pretty. Having a guide to explain was really worthwhile too.
The museum/ treasury building is underwhelming- poorly displayed robes, crowns and religious artworks. Signage is lacking. Room was full of smoke from incense some found it hard to breathe well in there.
The church is lovely- looks like a round chook house from outside but inside is lovely. painted floor to ceiling showing bible stories from the old and new testaments. First time I have ever seen images of Mary breast feeding baby Jesus! It's very pretty. Having a guide to explain was really worthwhile too.
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrisbeeoxford
Oxford, UK594 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
I came by boat to the little pier on Zegie Penisula, a pleasant calm crossing with a hippo or two on the way.
The peninsula is heavily wooded with wild Arabica plants spread throughout. The locals gather the bean, roast etc. and serve it in coffee booths. Watch out for the Bare-faced Go-away Bird and the Eastern Grey Plantain-eater in the woods and the endemic Banded Barbet that I found praying on the outside of the monastery church.
IT's a 0.5km walk from pier to monastery up a rutted, lava stone path that would put a stop to any wheel chair. The way is lined with booths trying hard to sell to visitors such things as scarfs (some woven locally), wood carvings, lots of religious paintings and some landscape (all done locally), jewellery(one craftsman at work), etc. One had to harden one's heart to ignore the pleas if one has already done one's gift shopping.
No sales inside the monastery, just a grassy tree-filled compound and what at first appear as tin-roofed sheds. The beauty here is under the skin. Once close up and also inside the construction detail becomes clear; only local materials have been used except for the roof (to stop leaks destroying the treasure inside); bamboo, straw, mud, juniper wood and fig tree wood. Just walking round the outer circular corridor (the chanting area) was fascinating but the inner circular corridor is even better as one looks at the paintings covering all four sides of the Holy Chamber housing the replica of the Ark and forbidden to all but the priesthood to enter. These paintings began in the 16th century, done by monks whose practice drawings may be seen around the walls and on the doors of the rest of the building, and finished only about 100 years ago. Colour and more colour. Apocryphal stories such as the Cannibal as well as Old and New Testament.
A must see when in Ethiopia.
The peninsula is heavily wooded with wild Arabica plants spread throughout. The locals gather the bean, roast etc. and serve it in coffee booths. Watch out for the Bare-faced Go-away Bird and the Eastern Grey Plantain-eater in the woods and the endemic Banded Barbet that I found praying on the outside of the monastery church.
IT's a 0.5km walk from pier to monastery up a rutted, lava stone path that would put a stop to any wheel chair. The way is lined with booths trying hard to sell to visitors such things as scarfs (some woven locally), wood carvings, lots of religious paintings and some landscape (all done locally), jewellery(one craftsman at work), etc. One had to harden one's heart to ignore the pleas if one has already done one's gift shopping.
No sales inside the monastery, just a grassy tree-filled compound and what at first appear as tin-roofed sheds. The beauty here is under the skin. Once close up and also inside the construction detail becomes clear; only local materials have been used except for the roof (to stop leaks destroying the treasure inside); bamboo, straw, mud, juniper wood and fig tree wood. Just walking round the outer circular corridor (the chanting area) was fascinating but the inner circular corridor is even better as one looks at the paintings covering all four sides of the Holy Chamber housing the replica of the Ark and forbidden to all but the priesthood to enter. These paintings began in the 16th century, done by monks whose practice drawings may be seen around the walls and on the doors of the rest of the building, and finished only about 100 years ago. Colour and more colour. Apocryphal stories such as the Cannibal as well as Old and New Testament.
A must see when in Ethiopia.
Written March 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanja S
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia1,371 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
We had a happy reunion with the wall paintings (on canvas - which is rare) of the Ura Kidane Mehret church on the Zege peninsula on Lake Tana, Ethiopia. About 1 hour by boat (a little one!) from Bahir Dar. Famous and fabulous. Rightly so. Have a look!
Our local guide was very informative. We also visited the new museum. Very well done for a relatively remote place.
The church is about 15 - 30 minutes walking from the jetty. Through a shaded lane, with many little stalls selling scarfs, coffee, jewelry, incense etc. There's a very good, clean toilet not far from the jetty. And a little coffee shop with freshly brewed local coffee. Wonderful views over the lake. Peace and quiet prevailing. Bliss!
And no, the church does not accept credit cards. And yes, it is a romantic setting.
Very peaceful. It's not wheelchair accessible. There's only a rough path to the church.
Take your time and enjoy. Time standing still. Great experience.
Our local guide was very informative. We also visited the new museum. Very well done for a relatively remote place.
The church is about 15 - 30 minutes walking from the jetty. Through a shaded lane, with many little stalls selling scarfs, coffee, jewelry, incense etc. There's a very good, clean toilet not far from the jetty. And a little coffee shop with freshly brewed local coffee. Wonderful views over the lake. Peace and quiet prevailing. Bliss!
And no, the church does not accept credit cards. And yes, it is a romantic setting.
Very peaceful. It's not wheelchair accessible. There's only a rough path to the church.
Take your time and enjoy. Time standing still. Great experience.
Written January 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ohlnielsen
Copenhagen, Denmark455 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
From the boat landing it's 10 minutes walk to the church, passing through an endless series of people peddling goods for tourists. The church itself is definitely worth the trip, as it comes across as a solemn, peaceful and isolated place with a rich history. The paintings are beautiful and interesting, some old, some rather new, showing a lot about how Ethiopian Christianity differs from European (remember to get your guide talking). There is a new museum next to the church, it is loaded with ancient artifacts like crowns (from 1500AD and on), books (from 900AD and on) and other things like dresses and umbrellas. The silversmiths along the shop trail has some interesting variations of crosses for necklaces. The church is on my top 3 attractions of Ethiopia.
Written January 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matvl
4,422 contributions
Oct 2015 • Business
The Monastery and Church are really amazing - take time to wander up from the jetty, stop for a coffee, listen for birds.
On the monastery site you can explore the church, see where the monks live and see the best museum of religious artefacts in the area (better than any other monastery collection).
It is quite amazing visiting on a Sunday, because then you can get a chance to see the church in action. You might also want to go early, to avoid the crowds. Really lovely coffee shop right on the Lake - great to stop off at.
At with all monasteries and museums you need to take your shoes off to enter - so do bear this in mind. Also, the path is about 0.5km long from the jetty and quite rocky, so while sandals area easy to take on and off, consider something that you can walk in.
On the monastery site you can explore the church, see where the monks live and see the best museum of religious artefacts in the area (better than any other monastery collection).
It is quite amazing visiting on a Sunday, because then you can get a chance to see the church in action. You might also want to go early, to avoid the crowds. Really lovely coffee shop right on the Lake - great to stop off at.
At with all monasteries and museums you need to take your shoes off to enter - so do bear this in mind. Also, the path is about 0.5km long from the jetty and quite rocky, so while sandals area easy to take on and off, consider something that you can walk in.
Written October 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James A
London, UK124 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
For a half day boat trip arranged with tour operators at the Ghion Hotel we managed to get a price of 100birr pp but we were a large group so perhaps 150birr pp is more reasonable for smaller group sizes. In the half day trip we went out to the Zege Peninsula across the lake, beautiful view of bahir dar and the lake and some little forested islands we passed on the way. We went to see UKM monastery which was beautiful,we encountered some trouble in that we were expected to pay more once we got there but on putting our feet down , they accepted that we were not going to pay further for a guide as the Ghion Hotel operators had said it was all included. After this, we went to see the monastery on the beautiful forested Zege peninsula. There are paths through lush forest vegetation with a few selling stalls but not too much hassle compared to e.g. blue nile falls. The monastery itself was very beautiful inside and similar to many of the paintings in Lalibella or Gondar. On the return, we went to the source of the blue nile (v.near Bahir Dar) and had a chance to spot a hippo, or at least the snout of a hippo. Then we were dropped off at the lakeside in Bahir Dar in time for lunch.
Written September 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD9,059 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We arranged with Solomon of Ethio Target Tours (Bahir Dar Hotel), for a spotlessly clean launch for the 1 hour cruise to Zege Peninsula. Arriving at Ura Port, we nestled in beside several other launches and the large daily ferry that was embarking a crowded dock of goods-laden locals.
We passed the guide station, opting to hike alone up the ~1 km shaded trail (~.45km as the crow flies) of hardened dirt mixed with steeper rocky sections, all the while passing scores of tended souvenir stands. Finally we reached a group of circular buildings and one marked 'ticket office'. After paying 150 Etb each, we walked up the walled pathway, took our shoes and hats off on the steps and went through the 2 door entry, with the main 2+ story monastery just ahead. We spent the next 30 minutes walking inside the double circular enclosures admiring and photographing the spectacular murals that covered the most interior corridor.
We used the clean outdoor toilets, before descending the trail back to our awaiting boat. On the return, we passed 2 islands with protruding monasteries, numerous fishermen on papyrus reed 'tanquas', and countless Great white pelicans, making this a lovely 4 hour ($30) outing that others extend to multiple monastery visits and even searching for hippos.
We passed the guide station, opting to hike alone up the ~1 km shaded trail (~.45km as the crow flies) of hardened dirt mixed with steeper rocky sections, all the while passing scores of tended souvenir stands. Finally we reached a group of circular buildings and one marked 'ticket office'. After paying 150 Etb each, we walked up the walled pathway, took our shoes and hats off on the steps and went through the 2 door entry, with the main 2+ story monastery just ahead. We spent the next 30 minutes walking inside the double circular enclosures admiring and photographing the spectacular murals that covered the most interior corridor.
We used the clean outdoor toilets, before descending the trail back to our awaiting boat. On the return, we passed 2 islands with protruding monasteries, numerous fishermen on papyrus reed 'tanquas', and countless Great white pelicans, making this a lovely 4 hour ($30) outing that others extend to multiple monastery visits and even searching for hippos.
Written October 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilse020
Kigali, Rwanda152 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We took the boat from our hotel and docked at Ura, after which it is an easy stroll through the forest to the monastery, which is really lovely and well preserved. The paintings are less old (16C) and have been restored and are fascinating in their depiction of the old and new testament scenes. Excellent site.
Written April 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gidons51
Herzliya, Israel4,330 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
A very special monetary on the peninsula. An hour by boat from Bahr Dar. 15 minutes walk . Very special 14 century round building with a lot of art . Attached small museum. Very recommended!
Written December 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ura Kidane Mihret
- Hotels near Ura Kidane Mihret:
- (0.50 mi) Zege Community Campsite
- (0.47 mi) Zege Community Campsite and Picnic Area
- (7.88 mi) Delano Hotel
- (7.38 mi) B&B The Annex
- (7.27 mi) Kuriftu Resort and Spa
- Restaurants near Ura Kidane Mihret:
- (6.99 mi) Desset Lodge
- (7.33 mi) Wude Coffee
- (7.71 mi) Castel Kuriftu Wine House and Restaurant Bahir Dar
- (7.70 mi) Bahir Dar Breeze Restaurant
- (6.46 mi) Goh Cafe
Ura Kidane Mihret Information
Excellent Reviews | 24 |
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Very Good Reviews | 20 |
Ura Kidane Mihret Photos | 105 |