While staying in Bahir Dar we visited a couple of the 20 monastic churches located on the islands and the peninsulas of Lake Tana. Most of them were founded in the 15th century, and are still in use today.

Some monasteries are open only for men, one of them is the sanctuary of Kibran Gebriel Monastery which inhabit 60 monks who obey the doctrines of the Coptic Church. They are not allowed to leave the island, furthermore five of them have never left the room they're living in, thus never seen.

On the Zege Peninsula lies the Catholic church Ura Kidhane Mihret with its abundance of 16th century paintings covering from floor to ceiling, giving a genuinely glimpse into medieval Ethiopia. Here we also paid a visit to a little village and were invited for some "injera" (vast pancake made from fermented tef) and home brewed "birr" (beer) by the monks.

Another unusual and spiritual place is Azuwa Maryam with paintings thoroughly describing the life and death of Jesus Christ as well as the Virgin Mary in whose resurrection they believe.