Rock-Hewn Church of Abba Yohanni
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Rock-Hewn Church of Abba Yohanni
Abba Yohanni is a monastery about 8 km off the main road. Another local road goes to within a few meters of the foot of Debre Assa, the mountain on which the church is built. Because of its whitewashed facade, the church is visible from a distance. Incised from the sheer cliff, the church is accessible only through a tunnel-like passage on its west side.
The interior of the church is as spacious as it is beautiful. Divided into several bays and aisle by its arched columns, the church is 14 meters deep and 12 meters wide. Seven free-standing columns and many non-free-standing columns support the ceiling, which is as high as nine meters. The ceiling is adorned by domes which themselves are decorated by finely carved crosses. Classic in its decoration and supreme in its workmanship, Abba Yohanni is a wonderful gift of art contributed from the distant past to the present.
GEBRIEL WUKIEN
This church is found 16km North West of Abiy Addi and some km across the field and further 10 minutes ascent of the mountain side. Architecturally interesting, this church has three aisles and four bays. The remarkable features are well-carved, interesting details, six massive, finely hewn freestanding pillars and three cupolas. Because of its "remarkable detail" some compare it with Mariam Wukro and Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.
MARIAM HIBITO
Built in the 15th century, Mariam Hibito (The Hidden Mary) is really hidden in a foot hill and surrounded by old green trees. Unlike in many other rock-hewn churches of Tigray, the carvers of this structure had much time to spend in beautifying its exterior. To say the least, they have cut out four free-standing columns reminiscent of those at Medhane Alem Addi Kesho.
Inside the church there are six non-free-standing columns. An unfinished dome-making effort is also evident on the ceiling. The church itself is 13m deep and 9m wide. It can be reached after 34km from the town of Abbi-Addi. The church is also surrounded by mountains in attractive setting.