The Ancient Churches Carved into Ethiopia's Land

A LOOK inside the traditional Ethiopian churches carved out of rocks

Scroll down for the full story

Many of the churches are difficult to reach as they are within the cliffs

For centuries the Western world has built their structures from the ground up, using man-made or imported materials.

However, unique churches deep in North East Ethiopia redefine traditional architecture and were carved from the roof down, directly into the rocks and caves of the dry terrain.

The photographer said: "For a moment I felt I was in the middle ages"

Kenyan born photographer, Neil Thomas, travelled to the ancient region of Tigray to document the churches and meet the local people.

Many of the priests have been looking after the churches for over 50 years

He said: “Tigray has been at the heart of many of the important events in Ethiopian history, especially to do with the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century.

“Most notable are the approximately 120 rock hewn churches located in this region that were practically unknown to Ethiopians, never mind the outside world before 1966!

Much of the ancient culture has stayed the same in this region

“It feels like a place lost in time, and often when watching a festival or a mass, you feel like you are witnessing a scene from when Christ was alive.”

The photographer is concerned that these may be the last generation of priests at the churches

The authenticity of these places of worship is protected by their remote locations and by the devoted holy people, which actually live in the archaic churches.

Neil said: “For me that is the charm, to arrive at a place where priests and monks still live and work in these ancient churches, performing the ceremonies and functions that their forefathers did since when the churches were built, somewhere between the 8th and 12th century!

The churches are authentic and rarely visited by tourists

“One day in particular stands out. We climbed a very steep cliff and on reaching the top were met by the local priest in the early morning. He insisted we stay until evening as they had a special ceremony to mark the death of the churches founder.

The churches are directly carved into the cliffs and land

Neil said: "I tried to capture the sense of these people and places"

“In the evening, hundreds of people from below in the fields came up to the church and they were dressed in white robes and swayed and chanted and some prostrated themselves before the alter. The only form of light was candles and for a moment I felt I was in the middle ages.”

With the continual growth of tourists and modern technology in Africa, Neil Thomas is concerned with conserving this ancient society.

Many of the priests both live and work in the churches

He said: “I tried to capture the essence of these people and places as I think they may be the last generation doing this work, and to visit these churches will become harder and harder.

"It was an incredible experience, and a wonder to photograph.”