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In Tigray,
there are more than 150 rock hewn churches, including some
that are older than the church in Lalibela, of which more
than three quarters are still in active use. These churches
can easily be explored with a vehicle or over a few days of
hiking. Some of the churches, especially the finest ones are
reached by long and steep walks that need a fair level of
fitness. Carved into the sandstone cliff faces or outcrops,
most of the rock hewn churches of Tigray retain an aura of
isolation and mystery and many remain unexplored by
foreigners. The majority of these churches have very
atmospheric interiors with walls decorated with old murals,
paintings and relief carvings and every church has its own
oral tradition, regarding its founding and excavation. The
Gheralta region of Tigray has spectacular scenery and the
largest concentration of rock hewn churches; Abuna Yemata,
Debre Tsion, and Mariam Korkor being the most famous.
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