Debre Maryam is one of the more recent monasteries on Lake Tana, built in the 19th century by Emperor Tewodros. Despite its age, it holds great cultural value, with a warm and welcoming priest often guiding visitors through its ancient manuscripts and relics.

The monastery is reached by boat, followed by a peaceful walk through groves of coffee, mango, and fig trees. For the adventurous, it’s also possible to rent a traditional tankwa papyrus boat from locals—about 20 minutes up the road toward Gondar, just before the Nile bridge.

Perched on a hill about 100 meters above Lake Tana, Daga Estefanos is one of the lake’s most sacred and historically significant monasteries. A short uphill trek leads you to its gates, where centuries of Ethiopian heritage are preserved.

Inside, you’ll find vibrant ceremonial robes, a 16th-century painting of the Madonna, and the mummified remains of five Ethiopian emperors, displayed in glass coffins for visitors to see. Reaching the island takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by boat from Bahir Dar at moderate speed. Please note that, due to religious tradition, entry is permitted to men only.

Narga Selassie — meaning “Trinity of the Rest” — was built in the late 18th century by Empress Mentewab on Dek Island, Lake Tana’s largest isle . Nestled amidst lush surroundings, this circular stone church is celebrated for its grand, peaceful setting and exquisitely painted interior

The journey from Bahir Dar to Narga Selassie takes around 3 to 3½ hours by moderate-speed boat—offering scenic lake views before arriving at this serene spiritual retreat

Tana Cherkos is a small island monastery on the eastern side of Lake Tana. According to local legend, the Ark of the Covenant was hidden here for about 800 years before being moved to Aksum

The island is rimmed with dense forest and is a habitat for majestic African fish eagles, adding to its serene atmosphere

A trip from Bahir Dar to Tana Cherkos takes around three hours by moderate-speed boat

Kebran Gabriel is one of the oldest and most architecturally striking monasteries on Lake Tana. Founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th, it sits closest to Bahir Dar and features a distinctive round roof supported by twelve carved stone pillars, symbolizing the twelve apostles.

The monastery is just a 20-minute boat ride from Bahir Dar and is often included as a stop on the way to the Zege Peninsula. As with many traditional monasteries in the region, entry is permitted to men only due to religious customs.

Sadly, despite its reputation as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric monasteries on the lake, Kebran Gabriel is no longer open to the public.