CHURCHES OF NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

If we talk about orthodox christianity in Ethiopia and the architecture developed in its churches of worship, it is obligatory to start in Lalibela, considered the Mecca of ethiopian christianity and the architectural epicenter with its 11 churches built during the 12th century. The whole complex is connected by labyrinthine passageways, tunnels and intimate corners. A delirium of the imagination. Around Lalibela there are other churches and monasteries equally revered and visited mostly when the celebrations approach. We are talking about names known to all the inhabitants of Lalibela, such as the Asheten Monastery hanging on the mountain, the Gennete Maryam Church, or the Yemrehanna Krestos Church tucked inside a basalt cave and hidden behind a cedar forest. In the province of Tigray there are other churches of great historical importance that are part of the national heritage, highlighting: Mikael Imba and Mikael Barka in the Womberta region. Debre Sion and Maryam Korkor in the Gueralta region. Further north we find the monastery of Debre Damo hanging on top of a cliff and which was the most important monastic center in Ethiopia with a total of 2000 monks.

Following the route to the northwest we will arrive at Aksum and Gondar, holy cities where Ethiopian Christmas and Timkat are celebrated with special devotion. To complete the tour of ethiopian christianity professed by 90% in the north of the country, we are located in the waters of Lake Tana, origin of the Blue Nile. Between its islands and its shores are scattered a total of 30 monasteries of varying importance, but which reveals the faith lived in its different times. They are famous for the paintings and frescoes, which we will find on their walls. Outwardly it is circular buildings made of wood and lined with dry cane. Among all of them, the Church of Debre Sina Maryam stands out with its 12 wooden columns, one for each apostle and located in the town of Gorgora. In the southern part of the lake, near Bahar Dar, is the Zege Peninsula where the Church of Ura Kidane Meret is found with excellent paintings inside. Very close to there, but on an island, there is also the interesting Church of Kebran Gabriel with its 12 stone columns and a museum with fascinating 15th century manuscripts and crosses.