Two very rarely visited (the deacons and priests probably won’t have receipt books) monasteries sit high up in the hills. Bete Selassie (men only) is a 30- to 45-minute walk from the shore. The simple exterior of the church (rebuilt in 1858) gives no clue to the wonderfully vivid paintings (arguably the best on the lake) inside, most of which date from the 1930s. On top of the peninsula’s highest point, 10 minutes from Bete Selassie, the church at Tekla Haimanot is similar but smaller than Bete Selassie’s. It has paintings by the same artists but lacks the historic atmosphere. Both have the potential for great views, but the forest prevents it. Guides consider the walk up here very difficult (it’s not!) and you’ll probably have to negotiate a higher price.
