Abuna Yosef | |
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Abuna Yosef peak
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 4,260 m (13,980 ft) |
Prominence | 1,909 m (6,263 ft) |
Listing | Ultra |
Coordinates | 12°08′27″N 39°10′54″E / 12.14083°N 39.18167°ECoordinates: 12°08′27″N 39°10′54″E / 12.14083°N 39.18167°E |
Geography | |
Location | Semien Wollo Zone, Ethiopia |
Parent range | Ethiopian Highlands |
Abuna Yosef is a prominent mountain near the eastern escarpment of the Ethiopian Highlands. At 4,260 metres (13,976 ft) it is the 6th tallest mountain in Ethiopia and the 19th highest of Africa. It is located in the Lasta massif in the Semien Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region.
A notable landmark on this mountain is the Church of Gennete Maryam, a monolithic church which tradition reports was excavated during the reign of Yekuno Amlak. Also notable are four free-standing churches build inside caves in the mountain, the oldest and most famous being Yemrehana Krestos Church, built by the Zagwe king of the same name. The other three are Emakina Medhane Alem (probably built by Yekuno Amlak in the late 13th century), Lidetta Maryam, and Zammadu Maryam (probably 15th century). The churches of Lalibela lie in its foothills.
The Abuna Yosef Community Conservation Area covers about 70 km² of the Abuna Yosef massif.