New Rock-Hewn Churches of Ethiopia

Co-ordinates: 13° 49' 52" N, 39° 34' 6"E

Location:

The church is nestled within a large east facing cave and built up against the rock. A tomb said to belong to the ‘carver’ is found to the north of the church. There are remnants of an old built church slightly above the church and possible granaries. Several walled up graves are found to the south. Still further south, are some old cliff dwellings and the source of holy water. The beta lehem lies to the north of the church.

Church Description:

(by Tarn Philipp)

Arbatu Ensesa Matseko is almost entirely built and only a small amount of stone has been removed, which does not constitute a rock church. The church is three bays in depth and orientated so that the maqdas is to the east. The external walls are painted light blue and contrast against the towering red cliffs. The church is roughly square in plan with an arched entrance from the north and south into the central bay. The north includes an additional rectangular entrance to the east bay and a square window to the west. Both north entrances descend a few steps within the church.

The west bay is separated from the central church by a wall and screen, which occupy the nave. The square maqdas is placed centrally within the church to enable entry from both the west and north. The west wall of the maqdas is adorned with colourful paintings. The maqdas is raised by steps and has a double arched window to the east. The chamber on either side of the maqdas includes a large arched window to the east.

The inner west wall includes three square niches which expose the natural rock beyond. The south west bay has not been excavated and the natural rock protrudes into the church. The foundation of the old church above is visible in the upper corner of the southwest bay. The ceiling is flat throughout and employs local timber construction, above which corrugated iron forms a pitched roof. The roof is pitched from the north, south and east and raised to a second storey at the centre.

Getting There:

The church lies west of the road from Wukro to Freweyni. The turnoff is immediately after the marble factory, just north of Wukro. The church is near a local school and the bright blue façade is visible from across the valley. It is possible to drive to within a five minute walk of the church.