Gishen Mariam: A Jewel of Ethiopian Heritage

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start your journey from Dessie, the nearest major city. Head south on the A3 highway for approximately 25 kilometers until you reach the turnoff for Gishen Mariam. The road will be marked, and you will need to take a right onto a smaller road towards Astamba. Drive for about 10 kilometers on this road, and you will see signs leading you directly to Gishen Mariam. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition as some parts of the road may be rough.

• Public Transportation (Bus)

  To reach Gishen Mariam using public transportation, take a bus from Dessie to Astamba. Buses frequently depart from the main bus station in Dessie. The fare should be around 50-100 Ethiopian Birr. Once you arrive in Astamba, you can hire a local taxi or a motorbike taxi (bajaj) to take you the remaining distance to Gishen Mariam, which is about 5 kilometers away. The taxi fare should be negotiated before starting the ride, typically costing around 100-200 Birr.

• Local Taxi

  If you're in a nearby location within Wollo and prefer a direct route, you can hire a local taxi from your current location to Gishen Mariam. This option provides the most convenience, allowing you to travel at your own pace. The driver will be familiar with the area and can navigate directly to the site. Expect to pay between 200-400 Birr for this service, depending on how far you are from Gishen Mariam.

• Walking

  For the adventurous traveler, if you find yourself in Astamba, you can walk to Gishen Mariam. It’s about a 5-kilometer walk and should take you approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow the main road south from Astamba, keeping an eye out for signs directing you to the church. This is a great way to experience the local scenery and culture along the way.