Abuna Yemata Guh, Rock-hewn church in Hawzen, Ethiopia
Abuna Yemata Guh is a sandstone church carved into rock, standing at 2,580 meters elevation on a vertical cliff face in the Gheralta mountain range of northern Ethiopia. The structure sits embedded in this steep rock wall, visible from below when looking upward.
The church dates from the 5th century, when Father Yemata, one of the Nine Saints, carved it into the rock during a period of Christian expansion. This founding took place during an era when Christian communities were establishing themselves in this mountainous region.
The interior walls display frescoes from the 15th century painted with natural pigments, showing nine apostles and Old Testament scenes. These painted stories remain visible and vivid to visitors walking through the space.
Reaching the church requires a demanding vertical climb using hand and footholds carved into the rock. After this ascent, visitors must cross a narrow rock ledge to reach the entrance.
The church keeps an Orthodox Bible made from goatskin, preserved from earlier times. Some priests have made their home atop the mountain for decades, living a secluded life at this remote elevation.
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