2024

DEGOUM SELASSIE CHURCH

Shrines and pilgrimage sites to visit

This multi-cavity hypogeum sanctuary, located close to a more recent church, was almost certainly excavated in pre-Christian times before being converted into a church. For specialists, its unusual location on the plain and its small size prove its original function as a tomb. Unless we're dealing with a pagan place of worship, which could provide clues as to the origin of dug-out churches. But these are only hypotheses. After the rainy season, it's not unusual for the crypt to flood.

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