Dima Giorgis monastery is said to be built in the 13th century during the reign of Emperor Amde Tsion. It is situated 10 kilometers east of the main road to Debre Work town, 124 kilometers far from Debre Markos and 25 kilometers from Bichena. The founder of the monastery was a religious father first known as Bekimos and later as Tekeste Birhan. Dima Giyorgis preserves invaluable ancient heritages, which had been donated by kings, courtiers, and religious people. The area is one of the main ‘Kine’ (religious poetry) schools in Ethiopia. The church is well known to be a setting for the famous author Hadis Alemayehu fikir eskemekabir. Colorful annual religious festivals held in Dima Giyorgis on December 16, March 18, and May 1.
