The entrance to this church is found in the most unusual location, connected by a bridge over a moat-like dry deep ditch. According to one priest, the moat is a symbol of hell and the narrow bridge symbolizes a path to heaven. The small gallery to the east of the bridge has a spectacular view of the Bete Gebriel CHurch. It is decorated with imposing arches that have the appearance of a monumental facade.
The enormous monumental façade dignified the western side of the church. It is decorated with tall Axumite-style columns attached from top to bottom. separating the arches of a deep blind ogee arch with corbels, doors and windows in the others.
The interior is 19.50 m. long by 17.50 m wide, broad, disoriented, irregular in shape and floor plan for a church. This and the overpass on the Deep Ditch have led scholars to believe that the building may have served as a fortified Axumite Palace as early as the 7th and 8th centuries.
Building The building consists of two parts that serve as a church and is named after the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael. However, the service is usually performed in Bete Gabriel. The roof of the Bete Rufale collapsed and stopped giving service. Though it had been restored and rebuilt, service did not resume.Within the building there are two sections called the House of Gabriel and Raphael Church. The service was provided in Beit Gabriel. This may happen due to the collapse of a section of the roof of Raphael’s house. Although it has been restored and rebuilt, services are only taking place in Beit Gabriel.
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