New Rock-Hewn Churches of Ethiopia

Co-ordinates: 9° 42' 27" N, 39° 31' 08" E

Location:

The site lies northwest of Dabre Berhan and is carved just below the ridge in the same ravine as the Gologotha complex, which is visible across the valley to the northeast. The site is approached from the west and above. In 2016, the only church was the incomplete Abune Aregawi. A return visit in 2018 found the site to have grown considerably; the site now includes several out buildings and a second church of Maryam, just west of Abune Aregawi. A third church, Kiddust Arsema is in the early phase of excavation.

Site Description:

(by Tarn Philipp)

Abune Aregawi

The church is carved into the north rock face and orientated north-south. A built shelter extends to cover the narrow ledge immediately in front of the church. Abune Aregawi lacks any true form but widens within the rock. The curved walls create an almost oval plan. The church includes a single entrance from the north and an enormous central column. The column is roughly square in plan and omits a base or capitals. The maqdas extends a bay south and is circular in plan. A curtain is hung on either side of the central column to the east and west wall, effectively dividing the north and south of the church. On the left, just beyond the curtain divide and opposite the column, a narrow tunnel runs northeast to a prayer chamber. This prayer chamber also has access from an entrance to the left of the church entrance. The northern end of the prayer chamber is again separated by hung cloth. The church allegedly took eighty-five days to complete and engaged three to eight workmen a day.

Maryam

The entrance to Maryam is some twelve metres west and slightly below Abune Aregawi. Excavation of the second church started in September 2017 (or Jan 2010 Ethiopian Calendar) and allegedly took just over two months. The task was undertaken solely by Diyaqon Kǝnfä Gäbrǝ’el. Maryam is carved into the northwest face and includes a single entrance which descends into the church. A recessed cross is carved immediately to the right of the entrance on the external rockface. The church is irregular and oval-like in plan and includes integrated seating at the base of most walls. Three chambers, all circular in plan, extend to the southeast. The southernmost chamber (to the far right) boasts a protruding carved cross in the ceiling. A second, larger protruding cross is placed centrally in the ceiling of the church. The floor is uneven throughout and slopes upward toward the three chambers. The roof is flat but curves to meet the walls, themselves curved in plan. The are no columns within the church and the craftsmanship lacks sophistication. The rock, as at Abune Aregawi, is heterogenous. Water presently seeps through in the east of the church and falls into a hewn ‘basin’. A second such ‘basin’ is found to the southwest. The church is not yet in use and temporarily provides space for storage.

Kiddust Arsema

The third church is to be dedicated to Arsema and is located further west and far lower than the other two churches. The church lies beyond the small stream and is the source of Holy water for the site. Excavation began in March 2018 (or July 2010 Ethiopian Calendar) and presently consists of a modest circular chamber, measuring two-and-a-half metres in diameter and two metres in height.

Getting There:

The site is northwest of Dabre Brehan. From Dabre Brehan, take the dirt road northwest, past the Beta Kennet. It is possible to drive to within a fifteen-minute walk of the site but the road is unclear and it is necessary to take a local guide or ask people along the way. The path is mostly flat but descends to the site. One’s shoes should be removed before making the descent