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Miscellaneous => The Sallyport => Topic started by: Sir William on 2011-06-16, 21:10:12

Title: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir William on 2011-06-16, 21:10:12

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.

(http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/ebonpaladin/EthiopianTemplarChurch01.jpg)

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

(http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/ebonpaladin/EthiopianTemplarChurch04.jpg)

Here is a shot from across the chasm.
(http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/ebonpaladin/EthiopianTemplarChurch02.jpg)

Pretty cool, huh?

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir William on 2011-06-16, 21:21:00

A bit on Lalibela himself:

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

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2011-06-16, 22:21:16

woah neat

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2011-06-16, 22:57:54

That is pretty cool!

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2011-06-16, 23:50:05

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2011-06-17, 02:41:05

Quote from: Sir Wolf on 2011-06-16, 23:50:05

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

Or "Real Housewives of Tatooine"! :D

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir James A on 2011-06-17, 17:50:36

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?

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir William on 2011-06-17, 18:37:53

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.

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Thorsteinn on 2011-06-17, 21:37:02

"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.

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2011-06-17, 22:21:07

Quote from: The Red Knight on 2011-06-17, 02:41:05

Quote from: Sir Wolf on 2011-06-16, 23:50:05

i see the exorcist 5 about to happen!

Or "Real Housewives of Tatooine"! :D

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

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2011-06-18, 03:10:57

You eat with your visor up? ???

Title: Re: Interesting Architecture - Ethiopia's Church of the Cross
Post by: Sir William on 2011-06-20, 16:52:06

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