The shores and islands of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, are home to some 19 monasteries, the oldest of which dates to the year 1264, others dating to the 14th century and yet others to the 16th and 17th century, though Christianity in the region dates back to the 4th century.
Debre Maryam is one of the later monasteries, built in the 19th century by Emperor Tewodros II, believed to have been built over an older 14th century religious site. Currently it houses ancient manuscripts (written in the old Ge’ez language and script) and other relics, like crowns, crosses, religious paintings and old instruments.
