Debre Berhan Selassie Church: Gondar's Historical Jewel

• Helloሰላም
  [sälam]
• Goodbyeደስ ይብሉ
  [des yäbelu]
• Yesአዎ
  [awo]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእባክዎ/እንዴት
  [ebakäwo/endet]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amäseggnalhu]
• Excuse me/Sorryእባክዎ/የውም
  [ebakäwo/yewum]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet neh?]
• Fine. And you?ጠንካራን። እኔ ነኝ?
  [tänkaran. ene neg?]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እናሳል እንብላ?
  [endet anasal enbela?]
• I don't understandአልተክልም
  [altäklm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseመጽሐፍትን ይሰጣል፡፡ እባክዎ
  [mets'ahäft'enn ysätsal. ebakäwo]
• I don't eat meatእኔ እስከ ለምንም አምጥን አይፈልግም
  [ene isek lämnim amtsen aifelgim]
• Cheers!እንስማማለን!
  [ensämmalän]
• I would like to pay, pleaseእባክዎ፡፡ ክፈትናል
  [ebakäwo. käftänal]

• Help!እየን!
  [eyen]
• Go away!በል!
  [bäl]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስ አንድነት ይደውሉ!
  [polis andenät yädewelu]
• Call a doctor!የጡን አንድነት ይደውሉ!
  [yetun andenät yädewelu]
• I'm lostስምሽ ነበረ፡፡
  [smish näbär]
• I'm illእኔ ልኚ፡፡
  [ene lin]

• I'd like to buy...እባክዎ አድናቂዎች ያልሆኑ፡፡
  [ebakäwo adänak'iwoch yalhun]
• I'm just lookingለምንም እኔ ተደፋሁ፡፡
  [lämnim ene tädafahu]
• How much is it?እባክዎ ብዛት ነው?
  [ebakäwo bazat new?]
• That's too expensiveእስከ በሉ
  [isek belu]
• Can you lower the price?ብዛትን ጥሩኝ አለን?
  [bazat'n t'urun alen?]

• What time is it?ሰዓት ነው?
  [sä'at new?]
• It's one o'clockአንድ ሰዓት ነው
  [and sä'at new]
• Half past (10)ሰም ፈርሽ (ሰሚ)
  [sem fersh (semi)]
• Morningጥዋት
  [tiwat]
• Afternoonከምሽ
  [kemish]
• Eveningማታ
  [mata]
• Yesterdayትናንት
  [tänat]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zare]
• Tomorrowነገ
  [nägä]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulet]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsost]
• 6ስድስት
  [sidost]
• 7ሰባት
  [sebat]
• 8ስምንት
  [simost]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zät'en]
• 10አስር
  [asar]

• Where's a/the...?ወደ እየሱስ ላኩ?
  [wädä eyesus lak'u?]
• What's the address?አድማስ ምን ነው?
  [admas min new?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ምስለት እንዴት አሳልፈኝ ነበር?
  [mislet endet asalafen naber?]
• When's the next (bus)?የቀን ከንቲንግ ነበረ?
  [yek'en kent'ing näbär?]
• A ticket (to ....)ቲኬት (እንዴት)
  [ticket (endit)]

Debre Berhan Selassie Church, built in the 17th century, is one of the most important examples of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture in Gondar. The church is known for its unique blend of traditional Ethiopian and Baroque architectural styles. Its construction coincided with the reign of Emperor Fasilides, who founded Gondar as the imperial capital, making it a hub for religious and cultural expression.

The church is famous for its stunning murals that depict biblical scenes, saints, and angels. These artworks are not only significant for their aesthetic value but also for their role in conveying religious narratives and teachings to the largely illiterate population of the time. The vibrant colors and intricate details reflect the rich artistic tradition of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church has withstood various historical challenges, including the invasion of the Oromo in the 17th century and the occupation by the Italians in the 1930s. Despite these threats, the church remained a focal point for the local community, symbolizing resilience and continuity of faith throughout turbulent periods in Ethiopian history.

Today, Debre Berhan Selassie Church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural landmark that attracts both pilgrims and tourists. Its annual celebrations, particularly during Timkat (Epiphany), draw large crowds, showcasing traditional Ethiopian music, dance, and religious ceremonies, thereby reinforcing its role as a vital part of the cultural landscape of Gondar.

The historical significance of Gondar, including Debre Berhan Selassie Church, led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This recognition has helped to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage, promoting awareness and appreciation of Ethiopia's historical narrative and the importance of Gondar in the larger context of Ethiopian history.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church is located in the heart of Gondar, Ethiopia. From the Gondar Airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle. The church is approximately 20 kilometers away, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. If you are already in Gondar, local taxis are available, and the church is easily accessible on foot from many nearby neighborhoods.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church is located within a walkable area of Gondar. For local transport, you can use bajaj (three-wheeled taxis) or regular taxis which are affordable. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops for a more leisurely exploration of the area.

Gondar is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to stay vigilant. Areas surrounding the church may have higher foot traffic, which can attract petty theft. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 or locate the nearest police station. For medical emergencies, there are hospitals and clinics in Gondar, including the Gondar University Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting the church; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect the religious customs, such as removing shoes before entering the church. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly; don't play loud music or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake; don't use overly familiar gestures unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at nearby restaurants; don't eat in public places near the church, as it might be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Debre Berhan Selassie Church like a local, consider visiting during a service to appreciate the vibrant community aspect. Try to engage with local artisans selling crafts nearby, as they often share stories behind their work. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby castel complex and other historical sites, which can provide a deeper understanding of Gondar’s rich heritage.