Axum was sacked by Queen Gudit in 940 A.D. triggering the collapse of the dynasty that had been ruling from Axum. There was much destruction of former buildings which may have dated back to the time of King Ezana. Rebuilt buildings were destroyed again in the 16th century. Another rebuild was in the 17th century. What exists now is a square building which supposedly housed the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. That Ark is out of view to everyone except only one monk who serves inside for life. The present large adjacent cathedral building was built by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1965. He also built in 1965 a small square chapel, a little larger than the older chapel to which it is connected, to house valuable church relics including the Ark.
This is the modern (1965) cathedral. Women can enter this building, unlike the small adjacent chapels which may hold or have held the Ark. The interior walls and ceiling are brightly decorated with Biblical themes as a way to communicate without written words. Our small team was given a special private guided tour of the interior.
front
side
rear
ceiling
We were shown in the rear a century's old Bible with hand-painted illustrations.
We were also treated to song by the chanting monks.
The altar was uncovered for us.
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