(site description by: Bayenew Melaku)
Coordinates: 39º19’15”N 8º46’15”E
The rock-cut chambers found in this valley were carved by Aba Haile Eyesus. He also carved Wontu Medhanialem and Kotu Kristos Semra found in North Šäwa, in the Amhara and Oromia Regions. This Site is located in the valley of Sama Senbet Church, located in the Amhara Region 10 km west of Arerti Town.
Aba Haile Eyesus excavated the rock-chamber fifteen years ago, with the intention of creating a prayer chamber for monks serving with him and for the use of pilgrims during the annual fasting period before Easter. The biggest space, reserved for preaching, lies at ground level and can accommodate 300 people.
There are several residences found at various levels on the mountain. Those residences have their own spaces for worship and niches used as bookshelves.
Aba Haile Eyesus said he received his inspiration from the nineteenth-century monks who came from Gondar and resided in the ancient semi-carved cave dwellings there.
Currently, no one uses the now much deteriorated space as a prayer chamber. The rock type is very soft and thus vulnerable to wind erosion and structural fragmentation.