Tigray is recognized as the cradle of the ancient Ethiopian civilization. The Yeha temple and the Axumite monolithic steleas testify to this. Numerous archeological sites underline the long history of the region, where the first Christian state in the world was established in the fourth century. Thus the old churches of Tigray are the testimony to this history.
The rock-hewn churches are a landmark achievement of church building in Ethiopia. Lalibela being the most famous, but so many others to be found in Tigray. Abreha Atsbeha is one of the outstanding rock hewn churches, found beautifully situated between Wukro and Hawzien. The spacious high barrel-shaped ceiling contains various artful ancient works of art.
Tekle Haimanot church in Hawzien is a combination of rock hewn and stone church. The chamber holds six free standing and six more pillars in relief, wonderfully executed in a style found in no other church. Tekle Haimanot, a hero of the Orthodox church, is buried here.
18 kilometers from Hawzien you find Degum Sellassie, a rock carved church with an underground chapel, also worthwhile visiting. And these are only three easy accessible churches in Tigray, in what is called Tigray Open Museum. Some of the more spectacular needs you to climb to mountain tops by rope or walking for kilometers to a mountain top, which the local population does regularly. Certainly a living museum. |
Rock Hewn Churches |
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Over 125 rock hewn churches are recorded with Tigray-alone. These churches date from 4th-15th century. Most of them are visited around the Gera-Alta chained mountains. Others are found in eastern and southern Tigray. Abreha-We-Atsbeha, Wukro Chercko churches are hewn in the 4th century. There are some pre Christian period hewn templates too. Special programs can be arranged to visit the Tigray Rock Churches either on surface or camping even up to 2-3 weeks. Otherwise a two or three days addition to the classical route itineraries can be nice to pay a visit of these churches.
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Abraha wa Atsbeha |
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The wonderful church of Abreha wa Atsebha is situated 15 kms. west of Wukro. A newly built gravel road leads to within a few meters of the church and beyond to Hawzien via Degum.
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The church is one of the best and largest of the rock churches of Tigray, dedicated to the famous kings of Axum, the brothers Abreha and Atsebha. They are known by that name to history, but they are said in Ethiopian legends to be kings who adopted Christianity in the 4th century. The historical king of Axum who did adopt Christianity around that time was king Ezana . His name is equally unknown in Ethiopian legendary accounts.
The church is cut into the red rock overlooking a valley, and stands out with its white painted façade sheltering two tall blue doors under arches. The church is decorated with splendid post-17th century mural paintings depicting Biblical scenes and saints. It also has several valuable treasures, the most important being the prayer cross which according to churchy officials, belonged to Frumentius- the first Bishop of Ethiopia whose ecclesiastical name was Abba Salama (Father of peace). |
The Church of St.Michael of Abi Adi |
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To reach at the rock hewn church of St. Michael the first thing that you must do is start driving from Mekele town and travel on the road that leads to the town of Wokro. Then, you must make a left turn which will enable you to reach at an all weather road that leads directly to the said church. It is also located at about 12 km. from the church of Abreha wa Atsebeha.
The church of St. Michael of Abi Adi is found at 2230 m.a.s.l. on a very high mountain. This provides a chance for the visitor to observe beautiful scenery. This church was first hewn during the reign of Abreha wa Atsebeha by a great saint called Abune Abreham. This church has a nice door in the Kine Mahlet and in the southern direction from the Kidist one can see a beautifully carved pillar. |
The church rectangular and has got three great rooms. The kine Mahelet has got a door on its western side and the kidist follows in the deeper part of the hewn interior. Thus, it is more like a cathedral in its building nature.
The kine Mahlet has got many beautiful pillars and on the roof of the kidist one can see decorations of exclusive beauty. Crosses had been curved with different shapes that is quiet wonderful to behold on the roof part of this church.
This church has escaped destruction by the invading armies of both Yodit and Gran. As a result, it has not lost its original beauty. To a person who does not know its ancient past it might even seem a construction of the 21st century. Therefore, it is a church worthy of a visit. |
Wukro Cherqos |
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Directly a the edge of the small town of Wuqro (47 Kms from Mekele), on a knoll of red rock, is the rock- cut church of Wuqro Cherqos.The church is supposed to have been constructed by the 4 C by the two kings Abreha and Asbeha. It is one of the first of the rock churches of Tigray. The upper part of the wool and the ceilings were painted, but now much destroyed. Nevertheless, a good impression of the decoration can be gained. A number of scenes can be distinguished: cherubim and angles, the Abune Samuel, the Nine Saints, St. Qirqos. The priests tell the story that the church was burnet by Gudit, the distinctive queen who is supposed also to have toppled the Axum stelae. |
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