Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Debre Sina)

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Debre Sina) is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Christians. It is located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, on the Asmara-Kairen road, 18 kilometers from the town of Elabered.

Here, fleeing from the persecution of King Herod, the Virgin Mary with Joseph and the baby Jesus hid. According to legend, they lived here for several days, then went to the nearby caves of Debre Senhit (Debre Sina): the place where God blessed the earth, placing his hand on a large rock. Here the holy family stayed for 40 days in a cave with two exits – one to the East, the other to the West. Visitors are no longer surprised to see a priest dancing at the altar to the accompaniment of drums - this is how the service takes place here.

The monastery of the Virgin Mary was built on the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherd girls.