MARIAM KORKOR AND ABOUNA DANIEL CHURCHES
If you have to limit yourself to just a few churches, this visit is a must in Tigray. Access to the churches is challenging, to say the least, but the panorama is spectacular throughout the hike. After a short walk across the fields at the foot of the cliff, the climb begins through a narrow, steep fault into which a natural staircase is carved. Once you've reached the first level, you can continue climbing either on the rock itself or along a winding, but less vertiginous path. Finally, after a good hour's climbing, the church's variegated facade comes into view. The interior is organized on a classical three-aisle plan, topped by a dome painted with a Greek cross motif. The arcaded walls feature a bestiary of human-headed animals, a winged monster and other more classical biblical figures and scenes. These paintings, by various artists, date from between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Not far away, along an impressive precipice, nestles the little cave church of Adouna Daniel, consisting of two richly decorated cavities. Getting there is quite magical, with an infinite panorama of splendid beauty. As the tabot has been transferred to Mariam Korkor, the sanctuary is considered abandoned. Before starting the descent, the extraordinary panorama embracing the Hausien plains, the Geralta mountains and, to the east, the Imbasneity mountains, helps you to regain your composure.
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