 |
 |
 |
 |
Lalibella, the site of 11 spectacular rock- hewn churches is an
important historical attraction in Ethiopia. King Lalibella (r.1180 -
1221) was one of the kings of the Zagwe Dynasty which flourished after
the fall of the Axumite Empire in the 10th century A.D. According to
some sources king Lalibella constructed the churches in an attempt to
create the second Jerusalem at the heart of Ethiopia.
The area on which the churches are found covers about two square
kilometers. The churches were excavated in the red volcanic stuff of
mount Abuna Joseph in massive rectangular blocks. Out of these blokes
the craftsmen chiseled the ceilings and walls 30 to 50 feet high, floors
on varying levels, individual rooms, windows, columns and arches. They
surrounded the churches with an extensive system of drainage ditches.
The eleven churches differ widely form each other, yet have certain
typical features in common in their magnificent architecture. They are
all basilica inform. There is no piece of wood in all of the
construction. The columns which divide the nave and aisles, the altars,
the windows the relief and paintings exhibit the fantastic skill of the
masons and sculptors.
The rock- hewn churches of Lalibella have long been one of the most
constant source of fascination of all the wonders which Ethiopia offers
to world. They are one of world's most incredible man made creations,
and lasting monuments to man's faith in God. A Portuguese priest,
Francisco Alvarez, who visited the churches in 1520 wrote as follows,
"It wearied me to write more of these works, because it seems to me that
they will not believe me if I write more, and because as to what I have
already written they will accuse me of untruth. Therefore, I swear by
God, in whose power I am, that all that is written is the truth and
there is much more than I have already written, and I have left it that
they may not tax with its being false hood." Even today many tourists
say the same thing with Alvarez about the Lalibella churches but using
different words.
For visitors who are interested to have a look of more rock- hewn
churches the surrounding of Lalibella and Tigray offer many more. Some
are situated in inaccessible places so that travel to visit them can be
managed by walk, mule and even rope.
