Rock-cut architecture is the most brilliant execution of human artistry and genius that stands the test of time, spanning generations.
A user named “World View” shared stunning ancient rock-cut masterpieces around the world on platform X. Let’s have a look at them!
Ellora Caves, India: An ancient wonder dating back to the 6th-12th century AD is home to 34 cave temples including the Kailasa Temple, all carved out from a single rock.
Badami Cave Temples, India: Dating back to the 6th century, it pays homage to various Hindu and Jain deities and is an excellent example of the ancient craftsmanship of the Chalukya dynasty.
Ajanta Caves, India: Dating back to as long as the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., it’s a marvellous example of ancient cave painting, located in Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
Lonely Castle of Hegra, Saudi Arabia: Dating back to the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD, this ancient wonder was built by Nabataeans and is a well-preserved rock-cut tomb in Hegra.
Cappadocia, Turkey: Turkey’s popular cave dwellings of Cappadocia are part of the impressive "fairy chimneys", hallowed out to create homes, monasteries, churches, etc., resulting in a large rock-cut city.
Derinkuyu, Turkey: Believed to be the largest and most advanced underground city to be discovered so far, this ancient site was once home to about 20,000 people.
Ad Deir Monastery, Jordan: Dating back to the mid-1st century AD this ancient marvel was carved into a mountainside, featuring a 50-meter facade.
Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia: About 645 km from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, this impressive group of 11 medieval monolithic churches were built by King Lalibela in the 12th century.
Abu Simbel, Egypt: A World Heritage site since 1979, this awe-inspiring ancient monument was carved out of solid rock in the 13th century BCE to honour Pharaoh Rameses II and his queen, Nefertari.
Longmen Grottoes, China: Grottoes is the finest example of ancient Chinese art with intricate carvings and statues, including the popular 17-meter tall Vairocana Buddha.