The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam: an example of the endangered antiquities of North Wallo, Ethiopia.

The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam, located near Lalibela, Ethiopia, is an endangered example of ancient hypogeum architecture. Despite its historical significance and traditional attribution to Abunä Musé, the second bishop of Ethiopia, it has received little scholarly attention or professional conservation efforts. This study reveals that its architectural integrity is threatened by natural factors such as torrential rainfall and sunlight, as well as past restoration attempts using modern materials like cement and basaltic stone, which have exacerbated deterioration. The research employed interviews, field observations, and archive analysis to document the church's architecture and conservation challenges, highlighting the urgent need for compatible restoration strategies that preserve its cultural heritage without compromising structural stability.

Ebabey, T. (2018). The rock-hewn church of Nazugn Maryam: an example of the endangered antiquities of North Wallo, Ethiopia. Journal of African Cultural Heritage Studies, 1(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.22599/jachs.34