WHERE MONKS BUILT STONE

Where Monks Built Stone: Trekking Ethiopia's Highland Monasteries invites readers into the remote, breathtaking highlands of Ethiopia, where faith, history, and landscape converge in timeless harmony. From the cliffside monasteries of Gheralta in Tigray to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and onward to hidden sanctuaries in the Bale Mountains and the Blue Nile Gorge, this journey traces paths few travelers dare to tread.
Written in a deeply immersive first-person narrative, the book captures the physical and spiritual rigor of highland trekking. Readers follow the author as they scale vertical cliffs to reach centuries-old monasteries, navigate narrow goat paths, and engage with monks and local communities whose devotion preserves Ethiopia's religious heritage. Each monastery offers a unique experience-from the vertiginous murals of Abuna Yemata Guh to the monumental rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the sacred corridors of St. Mary of Zion in Axum, and the secluded sanctuaries of the southern highlands.
More than a travelogue, this book explores endurance, patience, and mindfulness in landscapes shaped by both nature and human faith. The Appendices provide practical trekking tips, suggested itineraries, maps, cultural insights, and safety advice, making this both a spiritual and practical guide for adventurous pilgrims, trekkers, and anyone drawn to Ethiopia's extraordinary highland heritage.
Whether you are a hiker, a history enthusiast, or a seeker of sacred spaces, Where Monks Built Stone offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ethiopia's highlands-a world of stone, devotion, and timeless wonder.