MedievalarchitectureWasha Mikael, Addis Ababa
The rock-hewn church of Washa Mikael on the eastern edge of Addis Ababa, an unfinished monolithic church cut into a basalt outcrop and now open to the sky.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
The Habesha History collection
Architecture & the arts.
Buildings, objects and painted pages, with the cited source and recorded rights beside every image.
- Illustrated records
- 3,639
- Architecture
- 233
- Artifacts
- 935
- Manuscript art
- 2,471
Collection index
Browse the visual record
Move between the three-part main catalogue and each collection without losing the path back to the plate you were reading.Architecture
By place
233 records
Recorded place
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
14 plates
Medievalarchitecture
ModernarchitectureSt George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa
The octagonal cathedral of St George in Addis Ababa, built for Emperor Menelik II to commemorate the victory at Adwa; the coronation church of Haile Selassie I.
- Date
- begun 1896 (reign of Menelik II)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureHoly Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) in Addis Ababa, the domed and towered cathedral built to commemorate the liberation of 1941, burial place of Haile Selassie I.
- Date
- 1942 (reign of Haile Selassie I)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureEntoto Maryam Church
The octagonal church of Entoto Maryam on the Entoto ridge above Addis Ababa, built by Menelik II when Entoto was his capital; the place of his coronation.
- Date
- 1882 (reign of Menelik II)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMenelik II's Palace, Entoto
The palace of Menelik II at Entoto, a compound of round and rectangular stone buildings on the ridge above Addis Ababa from which the new capital was founded.
- Date
- 1880s (reign of Menelik II)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureGrand Anwar Mosque, Addis Ababa
The Grand Anwar Mosque in the Merkato district, the largest and oldest of Addis Ababa's mosques, built during the Italian occupation.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe Mausoleum of Menelik II
Located within the Kiddist Maryam church, Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a mausoleum in Addis Ababa dated 1917.
- Date
- 1917
- Type
- Tombs & burial sites
Modernarchitecture
ModernarchitectureYekatit 12 monument
Memorial monument in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dated 1955.
- Date
- 1955
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMeyazia 27 monument
Historic monument in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Made of rock dated 1944.
- Date
- 1944
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureTiglachin Monument
Memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War. Recorded on Wikidata as a monument in Addis Ababa dated 1984.
- Date
- 1984
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureGuenete Leul Palace
Building in Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a palace in Addis Ababa dated 1930.
- Date
- 1930
- Type
- Palaces
ModernarchitectureNational Palace
Official residence of the President of Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a royal palace in Addis Ababa dated 1955.
- Date
- 1955
- Type
- Palaces
ModernarchitectureSt. Gevorg church
Building in Africa. Recorded on Wikidata as a church in Addis Ababa dated 1932.
- Date
- 1932
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
Recorded place
Adulis
Northern Red Sea · Eritrea
4 plates
AncientarchitectureMain Wall in Anfray's Trench, Adulis
View of the main wall exposed in Anfray's trench
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureUnidentified Excavated Church, Adulis
A view of the church during the exacavtion by the British Museum
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTemple A, Adulis
Temple A southern walls excavated by Paribeni. Note the six courses visible. Image reproduced form Paribeni (1907)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureRecorded place
Aksum
Tigray · Ethiopia
25 plates
AncientarchitectureCorner Stone of Enda Semeon, Aksum
Parts of Aksumite monumental buildings in the city-centre of Aksum; corner-stone of Enda Semeon
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureThreshold of Takha Maryam, Aksum
Parts of Aksumite monumental buildings in the city-centre of Aksum; threshold of Takha Maryam.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureThe Underground Mausoleum, Aksum
Inner faces of the Mausoleum entrances: a, b - the inner face of the eastern portal, showing the upright syenite slabs which formerly supported a brick arch; c - the western arch as exposed, before excavation of the deposits with which it was blocked.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Ancientarchitecture
AncientarchitectureLate Aksumite Architecture in Trench DJ9, Aksum
Excavation of Late Aksumite structures in progress in trench DJ9
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTomb of Bazen, Aksum
The'Tomb of Bazen': a - the foot of the adit, showing roughly carved loculi in the adit wall and the entrance to the transverse chamber; b - the entrance to the transverse chamber; c - a view up the adit from the transverse chamber; d - inside the transverse chamber, showing loculi
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureGrand Stairway of Monument A, Aksum
Axoum. Grand escalier du monument A. Fig. 21. Axoum. Façade ouest du bâtiment central, monument A.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureSteps and Platform Extension of ST XXIIH, Aksum
ST XXIIH: the steps and first platform extension. In the foreground, wall B to the east, more platform packing to the south, and a possible platform extension wall in the east section almost removed by pit 4d. Fig. 6.36.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureES 1 Pillar Base and Foundations, Aksum
(top). ES 1: pillar base (re-used?) resting on rubble foundations at level 7. Plate 8.2 (centre). ES I from the north, showing paved court at level of demolished wall F. In the background a step is flanked by walls A and B, both with timber beams.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureThe Great Stele (Stele 1), Aksum
The Great Stele of Aksum, at c. 33 m the largest monolith its makers ever attempted, carved as a thirteen-storey tower-house; it fell while being raised and lies broken across the stelae field.
- Date
- c. 4th century AD
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureThe Obelisk of Aksum (Stele 2)
The 24 m second stele of Aksum, carved with false doors and window storeys; looted to Rome in 1937 and re-erected in the stelae field in 2008.
- Date
- c. 4th century AD
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureKing Ezana's Stele (Stele 3), Aksum
The 21 m third stele of Aksum, the largest still standing where its makers raised it, carved as a nine-storey tower with a false door at its base.
- Date
- c. 4th century AD
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureNorthern Stelae Park, Aksum
The northern stelae field of Aksum, where more than a hundred funerary monoliths — from rough slabs to the great carved tower-stelae — stand over the shaft tombs of the Aksumite elite.
- Date
- c. 3rd–4th century AD
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTomb of the False Door, Aksum
The Tomb of the False Door in the western stelae field, a megalithic chamber tomb entered beneath a carved granite portal imitating the doors on the great stelae.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTomb of the Brick Arches, Aksum
The Tomb of the Brick Arches at Aksum, a rock-cut elite tomb whose chambers are entered through horseshoe arches of fired brick — the earliest known use of the form in the region.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, Aksum
The twin subterranean tombs attributed to the emperors Kaleb and Gebre Meskel on the hill north-east of Aksum, their chambers built of precisely fitted granite megaliths.
- Date
- 6th century (attributed to the reigns of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureDungur (the 'Palace of the Queen of Sheba'), Aksum
The ruins of Dungur on the western edge of Aksum, a great elite mansion of drystone walls and monumental stairways around a central pavilion, popularly called the palace of the Queen of Sheba.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureGudit Stelae Field, Aksum
The Gudit stelae field south-west of Aksum opposite Dungur, a spread of mostly plain, smaller monoliths marking the burials of Aksumites below the royal elite.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureOld Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum
The old cathedral of Maryam Tsion at Aksum, rebuilt in Gondarine style on the podium of Ethiopia's first great church; the traditional sanctuary of the Ark of the Covenant stands in its precinct.
- Date
- 17th century (rebuilt under Emperor Fasilides)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureAbba Pentalewon Monastery, Aksum
The monastery of Abba Pentalewon on its rocky hill north-east of Aksum, founded by tradition by one of the Nine Saints on the site of a pre-Christian shrine; the present church is a later rebuilding.
- Date
- 6th century (traditional foundation by Abba Pentalewon); present church later
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureNew Cathedral of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum
The new cathedral of Maryam Tsion at Aksum, a domed concrete church built for Emperor Haile Selassie beside the old Gondarine cathedral, with its free-standing bell tower modelled on the stelae.
- Date
- 1960s (built for Emperor Haile Selassie I)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureTomb of Nefas Mewecha, Aksum
The Tomb of Nefas Mewecha east of the stelae field at Aksum, a megalithic chamber tomb whose great roofing slab is among the largest dressed stones on the site.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureKidane Mehret archaeological structures, Aksum
Stone walling at Kidane Mehret, Aksum, an indigenous farming settlement of the mid-first millennium BC, excavated in 1996.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureAksum Mausoleum
Aksum, inside the ‘Mausoleum’, the complex fourth-century tomb whose position the largest stela was intended to mark, 1995.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureRock Tomb, Aksum
Aksum, the so-called ‘Rock Tomb’, undated and apparently unfinished, 1994.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Asmara
Maekel · Eritrea
21 plates
ModernarchitectureFiat Tagliero Building, Asmara
The Fiat Tagliero service station in Asmara, Giuseppe Pettazzi's futurist aeroplane of 1938, its 15 m cantilevered concrete wings unsupported at the tips.
- Date
- 1938 (architect Giuseppe Pettazzi)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCinema Impero, Asmara
Cinema Impero on Harnet Avenue, Asmara's grandest Art Deco cinema of 1937, its facade a grid of porthole lamps between fluted piers.
- Date
- 1937
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureChurch of Our Lady of the Rosary, Asmara
The Catholic church of Our Lady of the Rosary on Harnet Avenue, a Lombard-Romanesque basilica of 1923 whose campanile is one of Asmara's landmarks.
- Date
- 1923
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureEnda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral, Asmara
The Orthodox cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara, rebuilt in 1938 as a fusion of modernist massing with Aksumite monkey-head masonry motifs.
- Date
- 1938 (architect Ernesto Gallo)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureGrand Mosque of Asmara (Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin)
The Great Mosque of Asmara, Guido Ferrazza's 1938 composition of rationalist symmetry, Islamic arcades and a slender minaret above the central market.
- Date
- 1938 (architect Guido Ferrazza)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureAsmara Opera House
The Asmara Opera House (Teatro Asmara) of 1920, an eclectic Renaissance-revival theatre with a loggia'd facade at the head of Harnet Avenue.
- Date
- 1920 (architect Odoardo Cavagnari)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCinema Roma, Asmara
Cinema Roma in Asmara, a rationalist cinema of the late 1930s with a marble-faced facade and a preserved period auditorium and cafe.
- Date
- 1937
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureAsmara Railway Station
The railway station of Asmara, the highland terminus of the Eritrean Railway from Massawa, an Italian-period station with its adjoining workshops and locomotive sheds.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCentral Post Office, Asmara
The central post office of Asmara, an Italian-period public building on the city's main avenue.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMunicipal Swimming Pool, Asmara
The municipal swimming pool of Asmara, an Italian-period rationalist sports building with its stepped diving tower.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCommercial Bank of Eritrea, Asmara
The Commercial Bank of Eritrea building in Asmara, an Italian-period bank of the city's modernist core.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCinema Capitol, Asmara
Cinema Capitol in Asmara, a rationalist cinema of the Italian period with a curved streamlined front.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCinema Odeon, Asmara
Cinema Odeon in Asmara, an Italian-period cinema of the city's modernist fabric.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureAlbergo Italia, Asmara
The Albergo Italia in Asmara, the city's oldest hotel, an early colonial building of the 1890s on the edge of the market quarter.
- Date
- 19th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMinistry of Education Building, Asmara
The Ministry of Education in Asmara, the former Casa del Fascio, a rationalist block of the Italian period with a tall blank tower.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureCentral Region Administration Building, Asmara
The Central Region (Maekel) administration building in Asmara, the Italian-period municipal palace of the colonial capital.
- Date
- 20th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureOld Enda Maryam, Asmara (destroyed 1919–20)
Three public-domain photographs dated 1909 record the old Enda Maryam church in Asmara before its demolition in 1919–20; Phillipson discusses the destroyed building on pp. 64–66.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Modernarchitecture
Modernarchitecture
Modernarchitecture
ModernarchitectureKidane Mehret Cathedral, Asmara
Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea. Recorded on Wikidata as a cathedral dated 1969.
- Date
- 1969
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
Recorded place
Atsbi area
Tigray · Ethiopia
3 plates
architectureMika’el Amba
Mika’el Amba, the west façade, showing late twentieth-century alterations to the doorway, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureMika’el Debra Selam
Mika’el Debra Selam, exterior of the inner church, viewed from the southeast, 2006. The ‘porch’ is visible on the left.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureRecorded place
Bilet
Tigray · Ethiopia
4 plates
MedievalarchitectureQuadrangular House, Bilet
View of the interior of the house looking from the West
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureCircular House on the Quadrangular Building, Bilet
The circular house installed on the eastern wall of the quadrangular building
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Medievalarchitecture
MedievalarchitectureArra Muslim Cemetery
Arra Muslim cemetery along the wadi Fig.108b: Muslim tombs’ current surface markers
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Gheralta
Tigray · Ethiopia
3 plates
MedievalarchitectureAbuna Yemata Guh
The church of Abuna Yemata Guh, hollowed into a sandstone pinnacle of the Gheralta range and reached by a bare-handed cliff climb.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureMaryam Korkor, Gheralta
The rock-hewn church of Maryam Korkor high on the Gheralta massif, a large cruciform church with a built facade, reached by a steep climb from the plain.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureMaryam Debra Tsion
Maryam Debra Tsion, part of the exterior north façade, carved with representations of horizontal beams and monkey-heads, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Gondar
Amhara · Ethiopia
10 plates
MedievalarchitectureFasilides Castle, Fasil Ghebbi
The castle of Emperor Fasilides at the heart of the Fasil Ghebbi in Gondar, a two-storey basalt keep with domed corner towers and battlemented parapets.
- Date
- c. 1636–1640 (reign of Emperor Fasilides)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Medievalarchitecture
MedievalarchitectureIyasu I's Palace, Fasil Ghebbi
The palace of Iyasu I the Great in the Fasil Ghebbi, a long saddle-roofed hall on vaults, ruined by earthquake and bombardment but still rising beside his grandfather's keep.
- Date
- late 17th century (reign of Iyasu I)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBakaffa's Palace and Dawit III's Hall, Fasil Ghebbi
The palace and banqueting hall of Emperor Bakaffa in the northern Fasil Ghebbi, a long buttressed hall beside the stables, with the adjoining House of Song (Dawit III's Hall) that Commons files the same way.
- Date
- early 18th century (reign of Emperor Bakaffa)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureMentewab's Castle, Fasil Ghebbi
The castle of Empress Mentewab in the Fasil Ghebbi, a compact two-storey block whose doorways carry carved Gondarine crosses.
- Date
- 18th century (built for Empress Mentewab)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureChancellery and Library of Yohannes I, Fasil Ghebbi
The chancellery and library of Emperor Yohannes I in the Fasil Ghebbi, paired lime-washed pavilions attributed to his reign.
- Date
- late 17th century (reign of Yohannes I)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureWalls of the Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar
The high curtain wall of the Fasil Ghebbi with its twelve gates, enclosing the royal compound of the Gondarine emperors.
- Date
- 17th–18th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureFasilides' Bath, Gondar
The bath of Fasilides outside Gondar, a battlemented pavilion standing in a great sunken basin that is flooded each year for the Timkat rites.
- Date
- 17th century (reign of Emperor Fasilides)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureDebre Berhan Selassie Church, Gondar
The church of Debre Berhan Selassie at Gondar within its towered precinct wall; founded under Iyasu I, it is the best-preserved of the Gondarine churches.
- Date
- founded in the 1690s (reign of Iyasu I); the present building is a later rebuilding
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureKuskwam (Mentewab's Complex), Gondar
The Kuskwam complex on Debre Tsehay hill west of Gondar, the palace and church built for Empress Mentewab's retirement, now a walled ruin field.
- Date
- 18th century (built for Empress Mentewab)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Harar
Harari · Ethiopia
5 plates
MedievalarchitectureWalls and Gates of Harar Jugol
The wall of Harar Jugol with its five historic gates, enclosing the fortified Muslim city of the Harari plateau.
- Date
- 16th century (emirate of Nur ibn Mujahid)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureJamia Mosque, Harar
The Jamia (Friday) mosque of Harar Jugol, the congregational mosque of the walled city with its twin white minarets; the present building is of the 19th century on a far older foundation.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureTomb of Emir Nur ibn Mujahid, Harar
The domed tomb of Emir Nur ibn Mujahid in Harar Jugol, the ruler who built the city wall; a whitewashed beehive dome within the old town.
- Date
- 16th century (Emir Nur died 1567)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureRimbaud House, Harar
The so-called Rimbaud House in Harar Jugol, a tall timber-galleried merchant's house of the late 19th century built by an Indian trader, now the Arthur Rimbaud museum.
- Date
- late 19th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureHouse of Ras Tafari, Harar
The House of Ras Tafari in Harar, the Indian-style merchant's house in which the future Haile Selassie lived as governor of Harar, now a museum.
- Date
- late 19th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Keren
Anseba · Eritrea
5 plates
ModernarchitectureTigu Fort, Keren
The fort of Tigu on its hill above Keren, raised by the Egyptian garrison of the 1870s and held in turn by Italians, British and Eritrean fighters.
- Date
- 1870s (Egyptian occupation of Keren)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureSt Michael's Cathedral, Keren
The Catholic cathedral of St Michael in Keren, an Italian-period church of the Anseba highlands.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureGreat Mosque of Keren
The old mosque of Keren, a domed whitewashed mosque of the town's Islamic quarter.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMariam Dearit
Shrine in Keren, Eritrea. Recorded on Wikidata as a chapel made of Adansonia, bronze dated 1878.
- Date
- 1878
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
ModernarchitectureItalian War Cemetery, Keren
Italian War Cementery Keren is a cemetery in Keren. Recorded on Wikidata as a cemetery dated 1950.
- Date
- 1950
- Type
- Tombs & burial sites
Recorded place
Lalibela
Amhara · Ethiopia
24 plates
MedievalarchitectureBiete Ghiorgis (Church of Saint George), Lalibela
The cross-shaped monolithic church of Saint George, hewn downward into the volcanic scoria at Lalibela; the last and most refined of the town's eleven rock-hewn churches.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Medhani Alem, Lalibela
Biete Medhani Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, its exterior ringed by a colonnade of square-cut piers.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Mariam, Lalibela
Biete Mariam (House of Mary), among the earliest of the Lalibela churches, standing in a deep rock-cut courtyard of the northern group.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Amanuel, Lalibela
Biete Amanuel, a monolithic church of the eastern group whose carved facade imitates Aksumite layered wood-and-stone masonry.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Abba Libanos, Lalibela
Biete Abba Libanos, a hypogeous church of the eastern group, cut free on four sides but left joined to the mother rock at its roof.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Gabriel-Rufael, Lalibela
Biete Gabriel-Rufael, entered across a bridged trench; its monumental slanting facade is thought to preserve a fortified or palatial building older than the churches around it.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Golgotha–Biete Mikael Complex, Lalibela
The twin churches of Biete Golgotha and Biete Mikael (Debre Sina), joined northern-group sanctuaries; Golgotha shelters the reliefs of saints and the tomb traditionally held to be King Lalibela's.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Maskal, Lalibela
Biete Maskal (House of the Cross), a broad low chapel carved into the northern wall of Biete Mariam's courtyard.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Denagel, Lalibela
Biete Denagel (House of the Virgins), a small chapel of the northern group commemorating the virgin martyrs of Edessa.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Qeddus Mercoreus, Lalibela
Biete Qeddus Mercoreus (House of Saint Mercurius) of the eastern group, reached through tunnels; its irregular halls are thought to have first served a civil, possibly judicial, use.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBiete Lehem, Lalibela
Biete Lehem (Bethlehem), the small rock-cut chamber linked to Biete Mercoreus, traditionally the bakery where the eucharistic bread was prepared.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureYemrehana Krestos Church
The built (not hewn) church of Yemrehana Krestos, raised in alternating courses of wood and plastered stone in the Aksumite manner inside a cave north-east of Lalibela.
- Date
- c. 12th century (reign of King Yemrehanna Krestos)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureNa'akuto La'ab Cave Church
The church of Na'akuto La'ab, built beneath a great overhanging cave south of Lalibela; its sanctuary stands under the dripping rock, the water caught in stone basins, and tradition credits it to King Lalibela's nephew and successor.
- Date
- 13th century (traditional attribution to King Na'akuto La'ab)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBilbila Giyorgis
The rock-hewn church of Bilbila Giyorgis north-west of Lalibela, cut into a hillside with a broad pillared facade; tradition places it among the oldest churches of the Lasta group.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBilbila Chirkos
Bilbila Chirkos, a rock-hewn church of the Lasta hills north-west of Lalibela, entered through a cut courtyard and famed for the bees kept within its walls.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureArbaitu Ensessa, Lalibela
Arbaitu Ensessa (the Four Beasts), a rock-hewn church in Lalibela town outside the two main groups, built into the hillside above the market.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureTomb of Adam, Lalibela
The Tomb of Adam, a massive free-standing block of rock pierced by a passage at the western entry to Lalibela's northern group; a hermit's cell is cut in its upper storey.
- Date
- 12th–13th century (traditional attribution to the reign of King Lalibela)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureTukuls of Lalibela
The two-storey round stone houses (tukuls) of Lalibela town, a domestic building tradition of the Lasta highlands, with thatched conical roofs over drystone walls.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureLalibela Eastern Complex
Lalibela, part of the peripheral trench northeast of Beta Emmanuel, looking south, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureLalibela Northern Complex
Lalibela, the trench linking the Northern and Eastern Complexes, incorporating nuns’ residences, 1997.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureLalibela archaeological features
Lalibela, a wall built of large stone blocks, 2006. Located within the area of the modern town some 150 m northwest of Beta Mika’el, this is the only example of such walling at Lalibela that is not associated with a hypogeum.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureBete Golgota-Selassié
Building in Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a church in Lalibela dated 1200.
- Date
- 1200
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
MedievalarchitectureBiet Debre Sina
Building in Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a church in Lalibela dated 1200.
- Date
- 1200
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
MedievalarchitectureBiete Mikael, Lalibela
Building in Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a church in Lalibela dated 1300.
- Date
- 1300
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
Recorded place
Massawa
Northern Red Sea · Eritrea
10 plates
ModernarchitectureImperial Palace, Massawa
The Imperial Palace on Massawa island, rebuilt in the 1870s over a 16th-century predecessor and shattered in the war of independence; its dome and arcaded shell dominate the old harbour front.
- Date
- rebuilt in the 1870s over a 16th-century predecessor
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
MedievalarchitectureSheikh Hanafi Mosque, Massawa
The Sheikh Hanafi mosque in the old town of Massawa, among the oldest of the island's coral-block mosques.
- Date
- 15th century (traditional dating)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureOld Town of Massawa
The coral-block and Ottoman-Egyptian fabric of Massawa's island old town — arcaded merchant houses, roshan balconies and covered passages of the Red Sea port.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureMosque of the Companions (Sahaba), Massawa
The Mosque of the Companions at Massawa, by tradition raised for the first Muslim emigrants who crossed to Aksumite Africa, and so among the oldest mosque sites in Africa; the standing structure is later.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureShaafi Mosque, Massawa
The Shaafi mosque in the old town of Massawa island, one of the port's coral-block mosques.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
architectureHamal al-Ansari Mosque, Massawa
The Hamal al-Ansari mosque of Massawa's old town, a small coral-stone mosque of the island port.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureSt Mary Orthodox Cathedral, Massawa
The Orthodox cathedral of St Mary on Massawa island, its modern tower rising over the old port's roofline.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMassawa Railway Station
The terminus of the Eritrean Railway at Massawa, the Italian-period station from which the line climbed to Asmara.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureBank of Italy palace
Historical building in Massawa, Eritrea. Recorded on Wikidata as a palace dated 1928.
- Date
- 1928
- Type
- Palaces
MedievalarchitectureTomb of Sheikh Durbush
Tomb of Sheikh Durbush is a tomb in Massawa. Recorded on Wikidata as a tomb dated 16th century.
- Date
- 16th century
- Type
- Tombs & burial sites
Recorded place
Qohaito
Debub · Eritrea
4 plates
AncientarchitectureRuins 6 and 7, Qohaito
Abb. 321. Kohaito. Rechts Ruine 6, links im Hintergrunde Ruine 7. Blick von Nordosten. Abb. 322. Kohaito. Ruine 6. Blick von Nordosten. Abb. 325. Kohaito. Ruine 7. Blick von Südwesten. Im Hintergrunde links Ruine 6.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureQohaito
The plateau site of Qohaito in the Eritrean highlands, an Aksumite town whose standing columns, temple ruins and cisterns spread across the qedamawi escarpment edge.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureSafira Dam, Qohaito
The Safira dam at Qohaito, a dressed-stone barrage across a shallow valley of the plateau, traditionally counted among the oldest standing dams in Africa.
- Date
- Aksumite period (traditional dating)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureThe 'Egyptian' Tomb, Qohaito
The rock-cut shaft tomb at Qohaito known as the 'Egyptian' tomb, its dressed chambers cut beneath the plateau surface.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Tokonda
Debub · Eritrea
3 plates
AncientarchitectureWall Pier of Tokonda Ruin II
Abb. 6. Tokonda, Ruine II, Wandpfeilerrest (Foto: MBA 2257.6). Abb. 2. Tokonda, Ruine II, Nordseite (Foto: MBA 2257.2). Abb. 3. Tokonda, Ruine II, Pfeiler- und Basenreste I (Foto: MBA 2257.3). Abb. 4.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Ancientarchitecture
AncientarchitectureRuins of Tokonda (Site Overview)
Abb. 6. Die Ruinen von Tokonda, Blick Richtung Nordwesten (Foto: L. Lätt 2006). Abb. 7. Die Ruinen von Tokonda, Blick Richtung Osten (Foto: DAE 393 = MBA 2256.01). Abb. 8. Die Ruinen von Tokonda, Blick Richtung Osten (Foto: L. Lätt 2006).
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Recorded place
Yeha
Tigray · Ethiopia
3 plates
AncientarchitectureGreat Temple of Yeha
The Great Temple of Yeha, a windowless tower of finely dressed ashlar standing to some 14 m — the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia, built for the Sabaean-influenced polity of Diʿamat.
- Date
- c. 8th–7th century BC
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitecturePalace of Grat Beʿal Gebri, Yeha
The ruins of Grat Beʿal Gebri at Yeha, a monumental pre-Aksumite building on a high stepped podium with a propylon of square monolithic pillars, contemporary with the Great Temple.
- Date
- c. 8th–7th century BC
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
AncientarchitectureChurch of Abba Afse, Yeha
The church of Abba Afse at Yeha, beside the Great Temple, whose walls reuse dressed blocks and carved ibex friezes from the pre-Aksumite buildings of the site; founded by tradition by one of the Nine Saints.
- Date
- 6th century (traditional foundation by Abba Afse); present church later
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Site not recorded by source
Place not stated by source
38 plates
ModernarchitectureRas Alula’s palace on a hill overlooking Asmara
A sketch of the hilltop palace of Ras Alula with thatched-roof buildings overlooking the town of Asmara.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureItalian casino at Sa'ati
A line drawing of the Italian casino building at Sa'ati.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureAdwa: tomb of Abuna Qeréllos, Patriarch from 1816 to c.1829, who, like other heads of the Ethiopian Church at this time, was an Egyptian Copt
A drawing of the tomb of Abuna Qeréllos in Adwa, set against a mountainous landscape.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe monastery of Dabra Bizan, east of Asmara, founded in the early Christian era
A sketch of the Dabra Bizan monastery buildings situated on a rocky mountain slope.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe temple at Yeha, 50 feet high, composed of large blocks of limestone held together without cement
An engraving of the ancient temple at Yeha with several people sitting in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureView of Yeha showing an ancient pre-Christian temple
A sketch depicting the ruins of the ancient temple at Yeha surrounded by a landscape with small dwellings.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA prominent trader's house at Massawa
A multi-story stone building with ornate wooden balconies in Massawa, with two figures standing in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureItalian officers' club at Asmara
A drawing of the Italian officers' club building in Asmara.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMilitary commandant's house at Asmara, capital of the Italian colony of Eritrea
A drawing of the military commandant's house in Asmara, featuring a wooden structure with a veranda and balcony.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA finely executed, spacious wattle-and-daub house in Jimma
A drawing of a traditional round, thatched-roof house in Jimma.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe palace of Ras Mika'él Sehul at Gondar
A view of the ruined stone archway and tower of the palace of Ras Mika'él Sehul in Gondar.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe addarash, or reception hall, at Menilek's palace in Addis Ababa
A sketch of the addarash, a two-story reception hall with a veranda, located at Menelik II's palace in Addis Ababa.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMenilek’s palace at Entotto. Note the Ethiopian flag which then consisted of three separate pennons
A view of the palace of Menelik II at Entotto, featuring a fortified enclosure and a multi-story building with flags.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe gebbi, or palace, of Yohannes IV at Dabra Tabor
An engraving depicting the palace compound of Emperor Yohannes IV at Dabra Tabor, with armed guards and figures in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA rectangular stone house at Adwa in which Mansfield Parkyns and his wife, Wayzaro Kasach Wedehél, resided
A sketch of a traditional stone house in Adwa with a person standing outside holding a spear and shield.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA Muslim holy man's tomb at Harar
A domed tomb structure located in Harar.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureHarar: the Bab al-Futuh, or Gate of Victory
A view of the Bab al-Futuh gate in the walled city of Harar with figures and animals in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe grand mosque al-Jami at Harar
A depiction of the grand mosque al-Jami in the city of Harar.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe palace of the Emirs of Harar
A view of the palace of the Emirs of Harar with a flag flying above the entrance.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe great castle of Emperor Fasiladas at Gondar built in 1640s
An engraving depicting the Fasil Ghebbi castle complex in Gondar, Ethiopia, with a figure on a mule in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureRuins of the eighteenth-century palace of Empress Mentewwab at Qwesqwam outside Gondar, with details of some of its decorations
An engraving depicting the ruins of the palace of Empress Mentewwab at Qwesqwam, accompanied by sketches of architectural and decorative details including crosses, a face, and animals.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA country house at Chalaqot belonging to Nathaniel Pearce, an Englishman who in the early nineteenth century married an Ethiopian and made his home in Tegré
A drawing of a traditional Ethiopian-style house with a thatched roof and a smaller adjacent structure in Chalaqot.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe imperial quarter of Gondar
A view of the Fasil Ghebbi, the imperial castle complex in Gondar, Ethiopia.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureBridge believed to have been built by Emperor Fasiladas (died 1667) over the Qaha river at Gondar
An engraving depicting a stone bridge over the Qaha river near Gondar with several figures standing in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureDabra Tabor, the capital of Bagémder, crowned by the church of Madhané Alam, built for Emperor Téwodros II in 1864
An engraving depicting the town of Debre Tabor with the church of Madhane Alem at the summit.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureA round church, at the village of Mishuk in southern Tegré
A traditional round Ethiopian church with a thatched roof is depicted in a village setting with two figures in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureEarly medieval rock-hewn church at Dongolo, Tegré
An interior view of an ancient rock-hewn church with a figure holding a cross in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe stone church of Maryam at Fokoda in northern Tegré with stone bells (right)
A view of the stone church of Maryam at Fokoda with a person standing in front and stone bells hanging on a wooden frame to the right.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureAncient stone church at Asmara with wooden cross-beams as seen in Aksumite buildings
A sketch of an ancient stone church in Asmara featuring traditional Aksumite-style wooden cross-beam construction.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureChurch at the village of Amba Derho, west of Asmara, built by a local chief who supplied it with its church paraphernalia, stored in the adjacent rectangular stone treasury
A sketch of a church with a conical roof and an adjacent rectangular stone treasury in the village of Amba Derho.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureChurch of Sellasé, or the Trinity, Adwa
An engraving depicting the Church of Sellasé situated at the base of a large mountain in Adwa.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureEntrance to the church of Madhané Alam, Adwa
A line drawing depicting the entrance to the Madhané Alam church in Adwa.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureChurch of Maryam at Entotto, Menilek’s capital in the early 1880s, prior to the establishment of Addis Ababa
A view of the Church of Maryam at Entotto with traditional round buildings and a figure with cattle in the foreground.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureFirst church built after the establishment of Addis Ababa in 1886. It was erected within Menilek's palace compound
A view of the first church built within the palace compound of Menelik II in Addis Ababa.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureMaqdas, or Holy of Holies, in a rock-hewn church near Sanafé (Massaia X, 45
An interior view of the Maqdas (Holy of Holies) in a rock-hewn church, with a person standing before a curtain.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureVillage church with stone bells
A group of people gathered outside a round, thatched-roof church with stone bells hanging from a wooden frame nearby.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThatched church at Maqdala where Téwodros was buried after his suicide on April 13, 1868
A group of British soldiers sits in front of a traditional thatched Ethiopian church at Maqdala.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
ModernarchitectureThe family's grain store
A drawing of a traditional woven grain storage container with a thatched roof.
- Date
- 19th-century illustration
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
Other recorded places
57 plates
architectureKankanet Mika’el
Kankanet Mika’el, the outer entrance, flanked by large carved Latin crosses, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- 6.5 km northeast of Lalibela
MedievalarchitectureAdadi Mariam
The rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam south-west of Addis Ababa, the southernmost of Ethiopia's rock churches, sunk into the ground and ringed by a cut ambulatory; tradition links it to King Lalibela.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Adadi
architectureMadhane Alem Addi Qesho
Madhane Alem Addi Qesho, the infilled portico of the west façade, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Addi Qesho
architectureGunda-Gunde Monastery Complex
A 1950s view of the dedication church inside Gunda-Gunde Monastery, paired with a later wide photograph as site context for the mountain monastic compound. The later image is not claimed as an exact view of the same church fabric.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Agame
architectureAgula Enda Tcherqos
Agula, view from the southwest of the ruins of Enda Tcherqos, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Agula
architecture
architectureDebra Tekla Haimonot Bethlehem
Debra Tekla Haimonot Bethlehem, general exterior view, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Bethlehem, southeast of Debre Tabor
MedievalarchitectureDebre Maryam Monastery, Lake Tana
The monastery of Debre Maryam at the Blue Nile's outflow from Lake Tana, founded in the reign of Amda Seyon; the present church is a later round tabot church.
- Date
- founded in the 14th century (reign of Amda Seyon)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Blue Nile outlet
MedievalarchitectureBrigida Mariam Monastery, Lake Tana
The monastery church of Brigida Mariam on its island in Lake Tana, a round church of the island group.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Brigida Island
AncientarchitectureDebre Damo Monastery
The monastery of Debre Damo on its sheer-sided amba, reached only by rope; its main church is held to be the oldest standing built church in Ethiopia, in classic Aksumite wood-and-stone construction.
- Date
- 6th century (traditional foundation, reign of Gebre Meskel)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Debre Damo
MedievalarchitectureDebre Libanos Monastery
The monastery of Debre Libanos on the edge of the Jemma gorge north of Addis Ababa, founded by Abuna Tekle Haymanot and the principal monastery of Shewa; the present church was built for Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1960s.
- Date
- monastery founded in the 13th century; present church 1960s
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Debre Libanos
ModernarchitectureRas Darge's Bridge (the 'Portuguese Bridge'), Debre Libanos
The stone arch bridge over the Gur river near Debre Libanos, popularly called the Portuguese Bridge; built in the 19th century under Ras Darge, Menelik II's uncle.
- Date
- 19th century (built under Ras Darge)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Debre Libanos
architectureDegum hypogea
Degum, view of the rock outcrop from the northeast, 2006. The modern church of Sellassie is on the left.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Degum, 28 km by road from Wukro
MedievalarchitectureNarga Selassie Church, Dek Island
The church of Narga Selassie on Dek Island in Lake Tana, built for Empress Mentewab in Gondarine style, its round church standing within a stone enclosure with towered gates.
- Date
- 1747 (built for Empress Mentewab)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Dek Island
ModernarchitectureBridge at Dogali
The Italian-built bridge at Dogali on the road and railway from Massawa to the highlands, beside the field of the battle of 1887.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Dogali
MedievalarchitectureGuzara Castle, Emfraz
The castle of Guzara on a hill above Lake Tana near Emfraz, built for Emperor Sarsa Dengel and the prototype of the Gondarine castle form.
- Date
- c. 1570s (reign of Sarsa Dengel)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Emfraz
MedievalarchitectureEntos Eyesu Monastery, Lake Tana
The island monastery of Entos Eyesu near Bahir Dar, a small round church on a wooded islet of Lake Tana.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Entos Island
MedievalarchitectureIyasus Church at Gorgora Nova
Church roof vault at Gorgora Nova, since collapsed (photograph by A. González-Ruibal)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Gorgora
MedievalarchitectureGiyorgis Maikado, Hawzen
The rock-hewn church of Giyorgis Maikado near Hawzen, cut into a low sandstone outcrop of the Gheralta plain.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Hawzen
architectureHawzien Plain vernacular farmstead
A typical Tigray farmstead on the northeastern edge of the Hawzien Plain, 1997.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Hawzien Plain
MedievalarchitectureKebran Gabriel Monastery
The island monastery of Kebran Gabriel near Bahir Dar, its church rebuilt under Iyasu I; the community and its manuscript library remain closed to women.
- Date
- founded in the 14th century; rebuilt under Iyasu I in the late 17th century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Kebran Island
MedievalarchitectureCovered Passage of the Mähal Wänz Tumulus
Mähal Wänz: possible couloir couvert de grosses pierres du tumulus
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mähal Wänz
AncientarchitectureStructure A, Matara
Structure A is the substructure of a central residential building at Matara. Anfray describes it as an upper-class residence and provisionally dates its construction to the fourth or fifth century CE.
- Date
- 4th–5th century CE (provisional dating in the source)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Matara
AncientarchitectureStructure F Basilica, Matara
Structure F is a basilica with a classic three-nave plan. The two views show its west-side ruins at level 2 and the paving preserved at level 1.
- Date
- late Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Matara
AncientarchitectureUnidentified Villa, Matara
Abb. 7. Eine der „Villen“ von Matara mit angelehnter Treppe, die zum Mittelbau empor führt (Foto: St. Wenig 1995).
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mätära
AncientarchitectureStairway of Central Building B, Matara
Abb. 1. Matara: Messbild der Freitreppe von Zentralbau „B“.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mätära
ModernarchitectureYohannes IV Palace, Mekelle
The palace of Emperor Yohannes IV at Mekelle, a fortified two-storey stone residence of the 1880s, now a museum.
- Date
- 1880s (reign of Emperor Yohannes IV)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mekelle
architecturePetros hypogean church, Mellehayzengi
Mellehayzengi, the newly excavated church of Petros, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mellehayzengi, eastern Tigray
MedievalarchitectureTumulus 2 at Meshalä Maryam
Tumulus 2 de Meshalä Maryam. Vue du tumulus immédiatement avant la fouille, en direction du SO. L'église de Meshalä Maryam se situe en arrière-plan, à gauche, dans son bois de genévriers géants. La vallée de la Šay est en contrebas du cliché, du côté droit
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Meshalä Maryam
architectureMakina Madhane Alem
Makina Madhane Alem, general view of the church within the cave, from the north-northeast, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mount Abuna Yosef
architectureGanata Maryam
Ganata Maryam from the southwest, showing the external colonnade, 1998.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Mount Abuna Yosef area
ModernarchitectureNefasit Railway Station
The station of Nefasit on the Eritrean Railway, where the line from Massawa begins its final climb through the escarpment to Asmara.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Nefasit
architectureAl Nejashi Mosque, Negash
The mosque at Negash, the village where the first Muslim emigrants were received by the king of Aksum; the shrine and its cemetery mark one of the oldest Muslim sites in Africa. The present building is modern.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Negash
architectureYohannes Metmek Gazien
Yohannes Metmek Gazien, the west façade, 2006. This is the church’s only external manifestation.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- North of Atsbi
MedievalarchitectureOld Tumulus at Qopros
Qopros. Vestiges arasés d'un tumulus ancien, dépassant au sud du mur d'enceinte récent
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Qopros
AncientarchitectureHawulti Stele, Matara
The ruins of Matara (Metera) south of Senafe, a pre-Aksumite and Aksumite town of the Eritrean highlands, marked by the standing Hawulti stele with its early Geʽez inscription.
- Date
- Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite periods
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Senafe
architectureTiya Stelae Field
The stelae field of Tiya in the Soddo region south of Addis Ababa, thirty-six standing stones carved with swords and enigmatic symbols over a burial ground; the best known of the southern Ethiopian stelae groups.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Soddo
architectureSokota Masqal Kristos
Sokota Masqal Kristos, blind low-level window at the north end of the exterior west wall, with modern paintings, 2006.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Sokota area
MedievalarchitectureTätär Gur Tumulus
Vue du tumulus de Tätär Gur depuis la vallée de la Šay
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Tätär Gur
MedievalarchitectureMikael Milhaizengi
Mikael Milhaizengi, a small domed rock-hewn church of the Teka Tesfai group in eastern Tigray, its cupola cut from the living rock.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Teka Tesfai
architectureMaryam Beraqit
Maryam Beraqit, the flat-ceilinged nave, looking east into the apsidal domed sanctuary, 2006. Note the arch, Aksumite friezes and manbara tabot.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Tigray
MedievalarchitecturePortuguese Bridge at Tis Issat (Alata Bridge)
The stone bridge over the Blue Nile below the Tis Issat falls, the first bridge on the Nile, built in the reign of Emperor Susenyos with Portuguese-trained masons.
- Date
- c. 1626 (reign of Emperor Susenyos)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Tis Abay
MedievalarchitectureChurch of Ura Masqal
L'église d'Urā Masqal, réemployant des vestiges de l'ancienne église: pilier monolithique, fenêtres en pierres ajourées, caissons de bois sculpté à motif géométrique
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Ura Masqal
AncientarchitectureBuilding D2, Wakarida
Two excavated views of Building D2 at Wakarida, printed together as comparative Aksumite architecture in the Bilet field report.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Wakarida
MedievalarchitectureRock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela (Ensemble)
Churches made from a single block of stone in Ethiopia. Recorded on Wikidata as a building group in Lasta made of stone dated 1300.
- Date
- 1300
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Wollo / Lasta
MedievalarchitectureAbreha we Atsbeha Church
The rock-hewn church of Abreha we Atsbeha, cut deep into the cliff between Wukro and Hawzen; its cruciform pillared interior is among the largest of the Tigray rock churches.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Wukro
MedievalarchitectureWukro Chirkos Church
Wukro Chirkos, a semi-monolithic rock-hewn church standing at the edge of Wukro town, its cruciform plan and carved ceilings characteristic of the Tigray group.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Wukro
MedievalarchitectureUra Kidane Mehret Monastery, Zege
The round maqdas-centred church of Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zege peninsula of Lake Tana, the most celebrated of the lake's monastery churches.
- Date
- monastery founded in the 14th century; the present round church is later
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Zege Peninsula
MedievalarchitectureAzwa Maryam Monastery, Zege
The thatched round church of Azwa Maryam on the Zege peninsula of Lake Tana, one of the peninsula's group of painted monastery churches.
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Zege Peninsula
AncientarchitectureRuins of Adulis
The ruined port city of Adulis on the Gulf of Zula, Aksum's gateway to the Red Sea trade; excavated walls, columns and church foundations spread beneath the coastal plain.
- Date
- Aksumite period
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Zula
MedievalarchitectureEast Elevation of the Half-Timbered Church of Agobo Qirqos
The east elevation of a half-timbered church near Aṣbi records the continuity of Aksumite building practice.
- Date
- twelfth century (?)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Agobo Qirqos near Aṣbi, Tigray (Ethiopia)
AncientarchitectureToppled Stela (with Modern Doorway to Visit Tomb Below), Aksum Stelae Park
A toppled Aksumite stela beside the modern doorway to the tomb below.
- Date
- fourth century CE (?)
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Aksum Stelae Park, Tigray (Ethiopia)
MedievalarchitectureWest Elevation of the Church of Betä Amanuʾel, Lalibäla
The west elevation shows a thirteenth-century rock-hewn church shaped to recall Aksumite half-timbering.
- Date
- first half of the thirteenth century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Betä Amanuʾel, Lalibäla, Lasta (Ethiopia)
MedievalarchitectureDetail of East Wall and Dome of Southernmost Chamber, Cathedral of Maryam Nazret
A close view of the cathedral's east wall and dome documents its mid-twelfth-century masonry.
- Date
- mid-twelfth century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Cathedral of Maryam Nazret, ʿAddi Abunä, Tigray (Ethiopia)
AncientarchitectureByzantine Basilica, Adulis
Byzantine Basilica (8527948107). Catalogued on Wikimedia Commons under Adulis. The file description records: A 5th century Byzantine basilica at Adulis, Eritrea, excavated in 1914 by the Italian archaeologist Roberto Paribeni.
- Type
- Archaeological sites
- Place
- Eritrea
MedievalarchitectureDebre Bizen
Building in Africa. Recorded on Wikidata as a monastery in Eritrea dated 1301.
- Date
- 1301
- Type
- Churches & monasteries
- Place
- Eritrea
MedievalarchitectureMeasured Ground Plan and Elevation, Tātār Gur Tumulus
A measured ground plan and two sections document the tumulus, sepulcher, corridor, and facing levels at Tātār Gur.
- Date
- ca. tenth–fourteenth century
- Type
- Architecture & ruins
- Place
- Tātār Gur Tumulus, North Šäwa, Amhara (Ethiopia)