This work analyses the paintings of eight frequently visited churches which feature prominently in the Ethiopian tourism industry. These are the churches of Yimrhane Kirstos and Lalibela in Lasta, Abrha we Asbha and Aksum Maryam Tsion in Tigrai, Debre Sina Maryam on the northern shore of Lake Tana, Narga Sillasse and Ura Kidane Mihret in Lake Tana and Debre Birhan Sillasse in Gondar.
With the exception of most of the rock churches of Lalibela, paintings are an integral part of the churches under review. In five of them, namely Debre Sina Maryam, Narga Sillasse, Debre Birhan Sillasse, the old Aksum Maryam Tsion and Ura Kidane Mihret, the paintings are their prime attractions. Without the murals they would not have been able to draw international tourists.
This study highlights that for centuries Christianity and Christian art has been an important component of Ethiopian culture. This can be noticed even in the daily life of the people. In this casual photo of children at th4 Blue Nile Falls, it can be seen that pendant or neck cross is one of the earliest possessions of Christian children