Some of the 125 very aged Rock-Hewn churches may even predated those at Lalibela, and possibly represent a crucial link between Axum and Lalibela chronologically, artistically and technically. Until the mid- 1960 the churches were almost unknown outside Tigray itself. Even today very little is known about their magnificent and precarious positions have led scholars to think they were being hidden from Muslims. For those who want to combine trekking with terrific art and history, this may be the perfect place.