Lalibela

Lalibela ( Amharic ላሊበላ lalibäla ) or New Jerusalem (formerly Roha ) is a holy city and place of pilgrimage in Ethiopia. Lalibela is located in the former province Wällo. The place is located 2500 meters high and has 8484 inhabitants ( census 1994), which are almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian.

Lalibela is known worldwide for the eleven monolithic churches - are carved in basalt lava red - mainly multi-storey. The churches were built starting with the reign of Emperor Gebra Maskal Lalibela, also known as the Holy Lalibela (a member of Zagwe Dynasty ) in 12-13. Century. Probably a total of 100 years to build the plant. During this time, the Christian faith flourished in Ethiopia, the churches also be understood as a symbol of the close relationship between Ethiopian Christians to the Holy Land. Today these churches and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lalibela has a long Christian tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is a pilgrimage site for many Christians.

History

Lalibela, after which the town was named, was the name of the main emperor of the Zagwe Dynasty. He ruled the kingdom of Lasta. In the 12-13. Century he had eleven churches out each operate as a whole from the surrounding rock formation, up to 800 square meters and ten meters high. These buildings are among the largest man- monolithic structures in the world. The churches still serve their original purpose and are visited by Orthodox pilgrims. To Lalibela around it in the 12th century the kingdom of Ethiopia after the collapse of the kingdom of Aksum.

Yekuno Amlak finally drove the Zagwe and ascended the throne 1270. He justified his claim to rule with his alleged descent from the biblical King Solomon. In " Kebre Negest " ( Glory of Kings ), one of Ethiopia's most important traditions, his Solomonic lineage is described. The myths about the Prester John dropped extra shine to the reign of this " descendants of Solomon ".

Churches

The eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are divided into three groups:

  • Northern group: Bet Medhane Alem, which also includes the Lalibela Cross is housed, is the largest monolithic church in the world; Model for this church was probably St. Mary of Zion in Aksum.
  • Bet Maryam is probably the oldest of the churches.
  • Bet Golgotha ​​is known for its art objects as well as the grave of King Lalibela.
  • Selassie Chapel
  • Grave of Adam.
  • Western group Bet Giyorgis (12 ° 1 ' 53.85 " N, 39 ° 2' 28.13 " O12.03162539.041147222222 ), the processing of the most accomplished and which is to be the best preserved.
  • Eastern group Bet Amanuel was probably the former court chapel.
  • Bet Merkorios was probably previously a prison.
  • Bet Abba Libanus.
  • Bet Gabriel - Rufael was probably the former Royal Palace and to the Holy bakery.
  • A little further away are the monastery and the church of Maryam Ashetan Yimrehane Kristos, built in the Aksumite style (but without basement) probably in the 11th century.

Contrary to some popular myths, churches are not built in Lalibela using the sword Templar, but only of the Ethiopian population.

Gallery

Bet Amanuel

Monks in front of Bet Amanuel

Bet Medhane Alem

Great church drums ( Kebero ) in a church

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