BETA DABRA SINA AND BETA GOLGOTHA
The Dabra Sina and Golgotha churches share a common entrance symbolizing the alliance between the Old and New Testaments.
The churches of Dabra Sina and Golgotha share a common entrance, which may symbolize the covenant between the Old and New Testaments.
Beta Dabra Sina, or "the house of Mount Sinai", is monolithic, sunk deep into the rock. With its finely sculpted pillars and cross vaulting, it is divided into three naves and is the antechamber to the Golgotha sanctuary.
Beta Gologotha (forbidden to women). The house of Golgotha-Mikael is semi-monolithic, being integrated into the natural rampart of Bete Maryam. With its simple architecture, the church features seven astonishing sculptures in the round. The figures, draped in togas and depicted larger than life, have not been formally identified, but are thought to be saints. In one of the aisles, an altar conceals the slab leading to the tomb of King Lalibela himself, whose finely-worked cross and prayer stick are preserved as sacred relics. The latter's dust is sacred as it is said to heal the sick. Pilgrims come here to receive it from a priest dedicated to this blessing. On the north wall, a bas-relief depicting a recumbent body watched over by angels is called the "tomb of Christ". There is also "Adam's tomb", the presumed burial place of the first man in Christian tradition.
Considered one of the city's most sacred shrines, the Selassie (Trinity) chapel adjoining Golgotha is not open to visitors.
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