Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray

Tigray is the northernmost region (kilil) of Ethiopia. It is the homeland of the Tigray people, who speak the Tigrinya language. The Amhara region is to the south; the Afar region to the east and the country of Eritrea to the north. The region was the centre of the Kingdom of Axum in the first millennium AD. Its attractions include many rock-hewn churches and historical sites, including the stelae of Axum. A distinctive feature of Tigray are its rock-hewn churches. Similar in design to those of Lalibela in the Amhara Region, these churches are found in four or five clusters – Gheralta, Teka-Tesfay, Atsbi and Tembien – with Wukro sometimes included. Some of the churches are considered earlier than those of Lalibela, perhaps dating from the eighth century. Mostly monolithic, with designs partly inspired by classical architecture, they are often located at the top of cliffs or steep hills, for security. For example, Tigray's ancient Debre Damo monastery is accessible only by climbing a rope 25 meters up a sheer cliff. Looting has become a major issue in the Tigray Region, as archaeological sites have become sources for construction materials and ancient artifacts used for everyday purposes by local populations. The area is famous for a single rock sculptured 23 meter long obelisk in Axum as well as for other fallen obelisks. The Axum treasure site of ancient Tigrayan history is a major landmark. Yeha is another important local landmark that is little-known outside the region.