The most inspirational historical site in sub-Saharan Africa, the small highland village of Lalibela houses a mediaeval complex of 13 churches and chapels that were hand-carved into the bedrock in the 12th century under the direction of King Lalibela. The apex of Ethiopia’s ancient church-excavating architectural tradition, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also remarkable in that it remains an active Christian more than 800 years ago since its inception.
Discover Lalibela
Almost entirely subterranean, Lalibela’s northern cluster of seven churches and chapels possesses an architectural cohesion that suggests it was conceived as one entity. It incorporates Bet Medhane Alem, which is the world’s largest rock-hewn monolith, supported by 36 internal and 36 external pillars.
The five architecturally divergent churches that comprise the southern cluster are thought to have been converted from older secular excavations. The cluster includes Bet Gebriel-Rafael, an imposing fortress-like excavation enclosed by a deep dry moat.
Lalibela’s most photogenic church, standalone Bet Giyorgis is a symmetrical cross-shaped monolith enclosed by a 50ft-deep hand-carved trench. It is dedicated to Saint George, whose horse reputedly made the hoof-like marks that can be seen in the entrance walkway today.
Easily visited as a day trip from Lalibela, the 11th-century church of Yemrehanna Kristos, constructed with alternating layers of wood and white gypsum, is one of the finest surviving examples of traditional Axumite architecture.
