How war threatens the ancient sandstone sanctuaries of Ethiopia
In short: Explore the enduring legacy of the Tigray rock-hewn churches. This documentary uses intimate testimonies and evocative imagery to show how these remote sites of devotion are facing new, modern threats.
High in Ethiopia’s Northern Highlands, approximately 120 churches were carved directly into sandstone cliffs. For centuries, their remote locations shielded the churches, their paintings, and their artifacts from the outside world. However, the 2020-2022 war in Tigray brought unprecedented danger; the use of heavy weapons caused vibrations that resulted in cracks in the stone. The film captures local priests reflecting on the spiritual and cultural legacies now at risk.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray, Ethiopia | Africa’s Cultural Landmarks
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