There are about 30 monasteries and churches on the islands and peninsulas of Lake Tana. Historically most of them date back to 14thc – 18thc except Tana Cherqos. Most of these monasteries and churches are only visited by boat trip. Only some of them that have good treasures, painting and easily accessible are mentioned as follows:
Ura Kidane Meheret – is found on Zeghe Peninsula. Historically, it dates back to 14th century during the reign of King Amda Tsion. The founder was Aba Ze Yohanese. The old paintings on the wall around the holy of holies with biblical theories and the treasures in the small museum are very amazing.
Azwa Mariam – it is typical traditional church on the Zeghe Peninsula. It has rich old paintings like Ura Kidane Meheret.
Mehal Zeghe Giorgis and Betre Mariam – They are renovated churches with 18th century paintings.
Kibran Gebriel – it is a monastery on Kibran Island. It is only allowed for men to visit. Historically, the foundation of monastery dates back to 14th century. It houses the largest library of very ancient crosses and manuscripts.
Entos – Small Island with a nunnery. However, both men and women can visit.
Debre Mariam – it lies on the southeast corner of lake near the exit of Blue Nile River. There is a richly illuminated manuscript of the four gospels in this church.
Narga Selassie – it is found on Dek Island, central part of Lake Tana. Empress Mentuab of Gondar built this church in 18th century. Narga Selassie is known for its typical Gondarian paintings.
Daga Istephanos – it is very close to Dek Island from east direction. A monastery is only allowed for men. The bodies of important Ethiopian Emperors reserved here: Yukuno Amlak (13th c), David I (14th c), Zara Yaqob (15th c), Za Dengel (17th c), Fasil (17th c).
Tana Cherqos – it lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tana. The traditional story states that the Ark of Covenant stayed here for many years before it was taken to Axum. The sacrificial stones of Jewish rites can be seen which gives evidence for the Jewish settlement there and may be those of the Jews who accompanied Menelik I with Ark of the Covenent. It is only allowed for men to visit.
Debre Sina Church – is found in Gorgora, North of Lake Tana 65 kms from Gondar. It historical foundation dates back to 14th c during the reign of Amda Tsion. It has amazing 16th century paintings on the four walls of the holy of holies.