...[Ethiopian king] Lalibela envisioned a dozen churches carved from stone — not made of stones, but each one literally carved out of one unbroken rock with its roof at ground level.
Details on the construction process have been lost in the mists of time, but 13 churches were indeed built between the late 12th and 13th century. These were no simple structures — the rock-hewn churches had arched windows, moldings with religious symbols, and murals covering the interior walls. Built on either side of a trench — which was named the River Jordan in recognition of the new holy city — they connected to one another through a series of tunnels.
In the ensuing centuries, seismic shifts, erosion, and water have severely damaged the churches. But the last one to be built — Bete Giyorgis, or the Church of St. George — remains spectacular. Extending 40 feet down into the stone and shaped like a cross, Bete Giyorgis continues to draw Christian pilgrims and curious tourists.
-Slate
-Atlas Obscura
-Google Images
19 comments:
Here's the thing. If Muslims take over that country they will destroy that church and behead the worshipers and put their heads on a pike.
If Israel or the Jews took over that country the church would remain in peace and beauty a wonder to behold.
There is an important lesson in that.
Very cool deborah. It reminds me of the city of Petra in Jordan.
Don't be a dirty prod?
No that's ok in this case. I bet there are a lot snakes in those rocks. Perfect for handling.
If you ever get a chance to visit St. Emilion in France, it's worth checking out the monolithic church there, even if the asshats destroyed the interior during the Revolution. Here's a video of what it looks like. The guy who made the video doesn't seem to understand that "La Marseillaise" & the tri-color flag are symbols of the French regime which worked so hard to destroy the very church depicted.
I've never seen it, but the Kailashnath Temple in Maharashtra, India is also supposed to be incredible. It was carved out of the basaltic lava flows left from the Deccan Traps.
Thanks for the Petra info, chick. And the good news is it's located in non-war torn country, Jordan.
Amazing the level of dedication from people who didn't have modern tools and machines.
Back then they had an answer to radical Islamism.
Excellent fire proofing ;)
Of all the things that radical Muslims do to make me hate them to the ground.... destroying beautiful edifices, historical buildings and works of art is likely the worst.
That church couldn't be built today because the Brotherhood of Ethiopian Stone Masons, Local 2, would demand triple overtime for working in a pit at 110 degrees and The Friends of The Ethiopian Earth, from their Suite located at Mugabe Hall in the Pan African University at Addis Ababa, would raise hell about what an insult it is to Gaia to dig that hole in the first place. The point being: you can either have great monuments or you can have "justice." You can't have both.
The Rastas were going to build a church in honor of Highly Selassie, but they didn't, and I know why.
A fitting metaphor for Christianity.
And Christianity grows best under duress.
Dust Bunny Queen said...
Of all the things that radical Muslims do to make me hate them to the ground.... destroying beautiful edifices, historical buildings and works of art is likely the worst.
You get the feeling the Moslems realize they don't create and it frustrates them, so they must destroy the work of better people.
Of all the things that radical Muslims do to make me hate them to the ground.... destroying beautiful edifices, historical buildings and works of art is likely the worst.
It's not the worst thing they do, but it's probably the most universally despised. Probably, Ward Churchill and even Rev. Wright disapprove.
I guess Jordan's about as safe a place as you'll find in the Middle East. But this U.K. government travel advisory gives one pause:
Stay away from downtown Amman and the centres of other towns and cities after Friday midday prayers.
Very Cool.
Chickelit said:
It's not the worst thing they do, but it's probably the most universally despised. Probably, Ward Churchill and even Rev. Wright disapprove.
Really? Do "Progressives" and secular liberals really care if the radical Muslims pulverize churches?
Because I'm not seeing much outrage from them.
Has Islam inspired any human endeavor on the scale and scope (in size, beauty, artistry, or sheer audacity) that Christianity has?
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