Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross

[Sir William]

This is perhaps one of the most interesting buildings I've ever come across- and I first saw these when a colleague of mine returned from a trip to Africa.  This church was built in the 12th Century (so there's a bit of Templar rumor in there) as a testament to the faith of the native Ethiopians; Lalibela is the Ethiopian king who commissioned this structure and it was built from the ground DOWN.  You'll see.

This is at ground level...as you can see, the church extends BELOW, not above as most buildings do.



This is a shot from the temple entrance, below 'ground level'.



Here is a shot from across the chasm.


Pretty cool, huh?

[Sir William]

A bit on Lalibela himself:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gebre_Mesqel_Lalibela

[Sir Wolf]

woah neat

[Sir Patrick]

That is pretty cool!

[Sir Wolf]

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

[Sir Patrick]

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

Or "Real Housewives of Tatooine"!

[Sir James A]

Whoa, I've never seen that. I like the "ancient" archaeology. Some interesting stuff, and a lot of it is rather unique. Did they say why he chose to build down, instead of up?

[Sir William]

From what I gather, he wanted to create places of worship that would put people in awe when they saw them.  I'd say he accomplished that goal...there are 11 such churches at or near this one built in the same fashion, by the same man.

[Thorsteinn]

"Well my friends, with the lack of proper building materials for our church it seems we will be unable to build up what we want. So I say, instead of building up, we shall build down!"

That church is just too damn cool.

[Sir Wolf]

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

Or "Real Housewives of Tatooine"!

you owe me. i almost spit my salad all over the screen!!!!

[Sir Patrick]

You eat with your visor up?

[Sir William]

HAAAA!!!  He has no visor- only a nasal bar!  lol