History of Ethiopian Architecture

1. Examples

2. Tigrian Churches

3. 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

4. Examples
1.Medhanealem Adi Kesho

5. 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

9. 3. Abreha wa Atsbeha
Later extension

10. Abreha wa Atsbeha

11. Examples
4.Abune yemata Guh

12. Examples
5.Wukro Cherkos

13. LALIBELA
A city carved from legend

14. The churches and
chapels in Lalibela are of
three groups

15. 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

16. 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

17. First group

18. Group - 1 Churches /Earthly Jerusalem/
Bete Medhanealem

22. Bete Mariam

23. Bete Mariam

27. Adam’s tomb
Bete Denagel
Bete Meskel

28. Bete Michael
Golgotha

29. Second group

30. Group - 2 Churches /heavenly Jerusalem/
Bete Merkorios

31. Bete Abalibanos

32. Bete Rufael/Gabriel

33. Bete Amanuel

35. Group 3 - The symbol of Noah’s ark
Bete Ghiorgis

38. Third group

39. Tunnels and passage
ways connecting the
churches