Examples
Tigrian Churches
1.Medhanealem Adi Kesho • One of the earliest church in rock
• Except for a single arch leading towards the sanctuary,
which is crowned with a dome, it is entirely linteled
• Ceilings above the high nave and the aisles are flat and
decorated with imitations of wooden paneling
Tigraian Churches
Examples 1.Medhanealem Adi Kesho
2. Wukro Maryam(Enda Maryam, Wukro) • Located about 25km. in a straight line to the southwest of Adigrat
• Constructed probably within the period of 1100-1310 A.D.
• Its plan is Basilica type with the nave rising much higher than the
aisles.
• It is 23m at its longest side and 9m at its highest point
3. Abreha wa Atsbeha
Later extension
Abreha wa Atsbeha
Examples 4.Abune yemata Guh
Examples
5.Wukro Cherkos
LALIBELA
A city carved from legend
The churches and
chapels in Lalibela are of
three groups
Rock churches in Lasta Lalibela
First group (symbolize earthly Jerusalem)
• Bete Medahane Alem (House of the holly savior)
• Bete Maryam (House of Mary)
• Bete Meskel (House of the cross)
• Bete Denagel (House of the virgins)
• Bete Golegota & Bete Debresina
Rock churches in Lasta Lalibela
Second group (symbolize Heavenly Jerusalem)
• Bete Amanuel (House of Emanuel)
• Bete Merkorios (House of St. Merkorios)
• Bete Aba Libanos (House of Father Libanos)
• Bete Gebriel - Rufael (House of Gebriel Rufael )
Third group (symbolize NOAH’S ark’)
• Bete Giorgis
First group
Group - 1 Churches /Earthly Jerusalem/
Bete Medhanealem
Bete Mariam
Bete Mariam
Adam’s tomb Bete Denagel
Bete Meskel
Bete Michael
Golgotha
Second group
Group - 2 Churches /heavenly Jerusalem/
Bete Merkorios
Bete Abalibanos
Bete Rufael/Gabriel
Bete Amanuel
Group 3 - The symbol of Noah’s ark
Bete Ghiorgis
Third group
Tunnels and passage
ways connecting the
churches