Ethiopia (November-December
2013)
Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray (1): Mikael Imba and Mikael Melehayzenghi
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The
two churches of Mikael Imba and Mikael Melehayzenghi
lie on the east side of the main road between Mekele
and Adigrat.
Scenery
before reaching the church of Mikael Imba.
Michael Imba (11th century?) is located on top of a
small hill. This three-quarter monolith is the Tigraian
church that resembles the most to the churches of Lalibela.
However, as it is older than these churches, it may well have been used as a
model by the designers of the Lalibela churches.
The interior of Mikael Imba is large with many pillars.
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Outside ponds for
baptism at Mikael Imba.
A
view from the hill where Mikael Imba is located.
The church of Mikael Melehayzenghi
(8th century?) is completely different and quite unique. It is
carved inside the domed rock outcrop seen on the center-right of this picture.
Bells of
Mikael Melehayzenghi.
Unlike Mikael Imba, Mikael
Melehayzenghi has no impressive exterior. Two small doors lead
inside the church, which lies entirely in the rock dome.
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All
surfaces inside of the church, except the floor, are curved. There is no
straight line.
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Decoration in the
ceiling.
Paintings (but not as
old as the church, by far).
The priest in his
church.
Link to Abuna Yemata Guh
and Maryam Korkor.
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