Eleven monolithic churches were carved out of the rock of Lalibela, in northeastern Ethiopia in the early 13th century on the orders of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, who wanted Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to have their own Jerusalem on their land. Today, the churches of Lalibela are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ethiopia’s main pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction.
The rock from which the churches were carved has eroded over time and the churches have become a real danger to priests, faithful and visitors alike. The roofs of some churches have already fallen in.
Following the French President’s state visit to Ethiopia in 2019, President Emmanuel Macron and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed on a program to contribute to the management and preservation of the Churches of Lalibela.
Source link : https://www.afd.fr/en/carte-des-projets/ethiopia-cooperation-preserve-cultural-heritage
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Publish date : 2024-08-22 15:36:48
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