3The Church of St. George, Ethiopia
Carved into solid rock, the Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia, is a marvel of ancient engineering and spiritual devotion. Lalibela is home to a series of rock-hewn churches, but St. George is perhaps the most iconic. The frescoes inside these churches date back to the 12th century and offer a unique glimpse into Ethiopian Orthodox Christian art. Unlike the grand frescoes of Europe, the ones found in Lalibela are more subdued, focusing on religious symbolism and spiritual narratives rather than dramatic action or intense color.
The frescoes depict scenes from the Bible, Ethiopian saints, and various religious motifs, all painted in a distinctive style that combines elements of Byzantine and African art. These frescoes emphasize spirituality and devotion, offering an intimate and sacred experience in a setting that feels otherworldly, with the church itself being underground.
