New Rock-Hewn Churches of Ethiopia

Co-ordinates: 13° 34' 39.5" N, 39° 02' 11" E

Location:

Abba Yoḥannəs Wäldä nägʷädgʷad lies east of the road between ʿAbiy ʿAddi and the small town of ‘Agəbä. The built façade of the old church at the top of a high peak, is just visible from the road. The new church takes its name from the old church and is carved below and on the opposite face of the peak.

Church Description:

(by Tarn Philipp)

The new church is carved into the northeast face and presently consists of a large chamber some five metres in depth and width. No columns or decorative feature have yet been carved. A rectangular entrance gives access to the chamber. A second entrance, some eight metres to the left, is underway. A window will also be added centrally between the two entrances. The ground in front of the church slopes downward steeply to the right of the church for some fifty meters. Despite the outer rock being red, the inner church is carved from white sandstone, the slag of which is visible on approach.

On this visit, three workmen were found wielding large pickaxes. A few large cracks or fault lines have appeared overhead, but the workmen are confident these are of no major concern. The Master Craftsman is Halaqa Wäldä, who has been contracted by the local community to carve a church measuring twelve by fourteen metres. The community claims the cost is 600,000 Ethiopian Birr; however, this seems much exaggerated in comparison with other sites, including the nearby church of ‘Arəsema Däbrä Təguhanə, which Halaqa Wäldä has simultaneously been contracted to complete for 60,000 Ethiopian Birr.

Getting There:

Abba Yoḥannəs Wäldä nägʷädgʷad is situated at a fast-paced thirty-five-minute ascent from the roadside, first up a riverbed and then a footpath which passes several compounds and an outdoor school. The old church is a ten-minute steep climb above the new church.

Dates Visited:

• 22 January 2020