St. George Church of Lalibela
According to popular legend in the 12th century King Lalibela Ethiopian in a state of trance of narcotic poison, which tried to kill him, a vision that we need to raise capital in the second Jerusalem Rocha. Result was a set of 11 unique, sculptured in the rock churches, some of which are completely separate. The river that ran through the town, was called Jordan, and the town was renamed to the name of King Lalibela, the greatest dynasty of King Lalibela lose by moving. The translation of his name Lalibela mean "And the bees recognize his greatness." His mother called him because when born around him Roel bees signaled for his great future - Lalibela. Lalibela area quickly became an important place of pilgrimage and continues to evoke the interest of large numbers of foreign tourists. Lalibela town inherited as a center of Christianity in the second millennium city of Axum, which degenerated after the 7th century when Islam began invasion.
The history of Lalibela Churches were carved into rocks in the Lasta mountains of Ethiopia's Amhara region. Some are carved inside the rock, while others who are known as "monolithic churches" are completely separated from the mountain slopes. Several of them are surrounded by ditches and are connected by underground.Spored some of the newest archaeological discoveries existing buildings, which were probably built before the reign of King Lalibela. Excavations and research done indicate that the most likely period in which they were built these churches is 600 to 800, and were intended to serve as protected structures and reinforced buildings. Others of the churches were built after the death of King Lalibela. Famous rock-hewn churches in Lalibela are divided into three groups, with north and south are separated by a small stream which was called Jordan. Once you buy a ticket for entrance and show it soon begins to descend to a magical underground world which bears no relation to our times. Going down, you go back centuries back in time. The church choir singing and has no way to not suffer from sincerely to what King Lalibela and his assistants (probably angels) sculptors and carvers have created a body of stone of the mountain, bringing part of my spirit, so himself as God ever created man.
Jerusalem and AxumA few minutes Mädchen Beth is Beth Miriam - Church of Our Lady, which is located in a spacious yard. It is the most revered not only by the church in Lalibela priests but also of pilgrims who gather during the holidays. According to one legend, which says it was a church and a favorite of King Lalibela himself. Opposite the entrance to the church on the west wall still keeps a box of the royal family of Lalibela. On the north wall of the courtyard of Beth Miriam Church is Beth Meskel. This is a large gallery with a series of four pillars, which divide the space into two nave, surrounded by arcades. In the gap between the two arches is a bas-relief cross form of sheet.
Many of the churches in Lalibela repeat parts of the buildings in Axum as a form of homage to the former grandeur of the city. Independent church, known as Beth Mädchen Alem (Temple of Christ the Redeemer) is believed to be a copy of the cathedral, which once existed in Axum. 30 m long church is the largest of the churches of Lalibela and has an impressive outdoor colonnade. The area is very similar to Jerusalem or the Holy Land and like Calvary in the Holy Sepulchre.
St. George ChurchOne of the most revered churches in Lalibela is the church dedicated to St. George, who is the patron saint of Ethiopia. Beth Georgis was probably built in the 13th century. Slightly away from other churches, it was built in a deep ditch, the bottom shaped like a cross. The presence of false windows again reminds in Axum. Inside also has with St. George killing the dragon, and bas-reliefs of crosses and saints. The churches in Lalibela and now continue to operate and collect numerous pilgrims and tourists, to some extent questions the preservation of this great cultural and historical wealth.
