Historical Destinations of Ethiopia
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, located in northern Ethiopia, are a remarkable group of 11 monolithic churches carved directly into solid rock during the 12th century. Designed as a “New Jerusalem,” these UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the rich history and deep religious significance of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
Each church is uniquely designed, showcasing intricate architectural features and stunning frescoes that depict biblical scenes. The most famous among them is the Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis), renowned for its cross-shaped structure and impressive craftsmanship.
Lalibela remains a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its spiritual ambiance and historical importance. The churches are not only architectural marvels but also serve as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of Ethiopia.
Axum
Ethiopia’s most ancient city, and the capital of the historic Axumite state, is the site of a number of remarkable monotholic stone stele, or obelisks, each craved from a single huge piece of rock.
The three most important are chiseled to represent multi-storied buildings, complete with doors and windows.
Axum, in its day, was a great commercial centre, issuing its own currency, and trading with Egypt, Arabia, Persia, India, and even Ceylon. St.Mary of Zion-which dated from the coming of Christianity as the state religion in early fourth Century. The orginal building has long since disappeared, apart from a few ruins, but a structure erected on its site, by Emperor Fasilides in the early 17th Century, still exists. A nearby modern chapel is the reputed repository of the Biblical Ark of the Convenaant, guarded by a solitary monk.
Just out of the town, the remains of an early Axumite palace thought to have belonged to the Queen of Sheba, are well worth a visit. They are located at Dangur, near the mountains from which the obelisks were originally excavated. The beautifully worked tombs of several ancient Axumite rulers, and the local archaeological museum, are also noteworthy.
Gondar Castle
Gondar Castle, located in the historic city of Gondar in northern Ethiopia, is a stunning example of 17th-century Ethiopian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” this royal enclosure features a series of impressive castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors.
The most notable structure within the complex is the Fasil Ghebbi, a fortress-like castle characterized by its unique blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian architectural styles. The intricate stonework, towering walls, and ornate decorations reflect the grandeur of Ethiopia’s imperial past.
Surrounding the castles are lush gardens and a moat, which add to the enchanting atmosphere of this historical site. Gondar Castle played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s history as a center of power and culture, and it remains a significant attraction for visitors interested in exploring the rich heritage of the country.
Harar
The ancient walled city of Harar was for many centuries not only a major commercial base but also a great centre of Islamic learning. It was renowened for its remarkable handicrafts, notablz in its fine weaving and its beautifully- bound manuscripts-which were rated as virtually without equal in the Islamic world.
Harar,a town of mosques, minarets and holy shrines, is also remembered in Europe as a city visited in the mid-19th century by the British Orientalist, Sir Richard Burton,translator of the ‘Thousand and One Nights’. The settlement was later the abode, a generaton or so later, of the renowned French poet, Arthur Rimbaud.
Visitors to Harar should note the city’s unique housing, its stout old walls and the brightly coloured dress of its inhabitants. Also worth a visit are the city’s two museums, colorful markets and, at night, the “hyena man” who can be seen, and photographed, feeding these animals from meat held in his own north. The more adventurous traveler should insisit on drinking quite, a local drink with or without milk brewed from coffee leaves.