Bahir Dar General Sights

General Sights

Approximately, 35 miles from Bahir-dar, there is Blue nile falls or Tis Abay(in Amharic) It is a spectacular sight. Smaller than Niagra falls, but amazingly scenic. You can take the blue minibuses or a bus to the blue nile falls. (The roads, however might get a little bumpy) Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile (or Abay). On the islands of the lake there are some of the world's oldest churches and Monasteries. In some of these monasteries, women NOT allowed to get in. Be cautious and be aware of traditons and rules of Ethiopian Orthodox church, when you visit, these anicient churches. Bahir Dar grew around a Jesuit settlement, founded in the sixteenth or seventeenth century, from which time the Pedro Páez building dates. One of Emperor Haile Selassie's palaces is located near the city, and the Emperor considered moving the national capital to the town. The palace is an impressive architectural work of its time. Facing the lake Tana (the source of blue nile) it provides a beautiful picturesque scene of blue nile.