Bet Merkorios

Reached via a long, narrow and pitch-black tunnel that starts from Bet Gabriel-Rufael, this current church may have started as something altogether different. The discovery of ankle shackles among other objects has led scholars to believe that the building may have served as the town's prison, or house of justice.

Due to a large section of roof collapsing, the interior is a fraction of its former size. Don't miss the beautiful fresco thought to represent the three wise men. With their little flipper hands and eyes that look askance, they're delightfully depicted; it may date from the 15th century. The 12 apostles are also represented in a less attractive fresco, probably of a later date.

The painting on cotton fabric is believed to date from the 16th century, though the priests will claim it's 14th century. Formerly, such paintings were plastered to the church walls with a mixture of straw, ox blood and mud.