Tiya Megalithic Stelae
Photo: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ethiopia SNNPR — 88 km south of Addis 1 tour

Tiya Megalithic Stelae

UNESCO-listed archaeological site — 45 carved stelae of mysterious origin, possibly 12th–14th century.

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Country

Ethiopia

Region

SNNPR — 88 km south of Addis

Best time

Year-round

About Tiya Megalithic Stelae

Tiya is the most important of around 160 archaeological sites in the Soddo region, 88 km south of Addis Ababa. UNESCO-listed since 1980, the site has 36 carved stelae — tall, cylindrical or phallic stones engraved with swords, discs and plant motifs — marking burial sites of an unknown people dated between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 36 carved stelae
  • Mysterious medieval culture
  • Short detour from Addis → south
  • Adjacent to Adadi Maryam rock-hewn church

Best time to visit

Year-round

Itineraries

Tours that visit Tiya Megalithic Stelae

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