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Description:
Considered by some to be the Ethiopia equivalent to Petra, the Lalibela chruches are a group of 11 monolithic churches cut straight into the bedrock, so that the roofs are flush to the ground, at an elevation of 2,630 m. Built between the 12th and 13th century, the four groups of churches are divied into four groups.
The Northern Group comprises Bete Medhane Alem, considered the largest monolithic church in the world, is cut from a block of stone 33.7m in length by 23.7m width and 11.5m in height. Bet Maskal, known as The House of the Cross, contains a pierced Greek cross. Other churches of this group include Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, the Selassie Chapel and the Tomb of Adam.
The Western Group includes Bete Giyorgis.
The Eastern Group comprises Bete Amanuel, considered the most impressive church in the region. It is the only true monolithic structure of the group, and represents a classic example of Axumite style. Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rufael round out the group.
The Southern Group includes the monastaery of Ashetan Maryam, and Bete Danaghel.
Though legend has it that the churches were built by the helps of the Knights Templar, evidence shows that the churches were built by the medieval Ethiopian civilization.
The Northern Group comprises Bete Medhane Alem, considered the largest monolithic church in the world, is cut from a block of stone 33.7m in length by 23.7m width and 11.5m in height. Bet Maskal, known as The House of the Cross, contains a pierced Greek cross. Other churches of this group include Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, the Selassie Chapel and the Tomb of Adam.
The Western Group includes Bete Giyorgis.
The Eastern Group comprises Bete Amanuel, considered the most impressive church in the region. It is the only true monolithic structure of the group, and represents a classic example of Axumite style. Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rufael round out the group.
The Southern Group includes the monastaery of Ashetan Maryam, and Bete Danaghel.
Though legend has it that the churches were built by the helps of the Knights Templar, evidence shows that the churches were built by the medieval Ethiopian civilization.
Getting there:
By Air:
From Bahir Dar, Lalibela Airport is a 2 hour minute flight away. Flights usually operate daily.
From Bahir Dar, Lalibela Airport is a 2 hour minute flight away. Flights usually operate daily.
Jordan H. says...
Added Oct 8, 2008
It is possible to visit all of the churches in Lalibela in one day. Sunday is best as all the locals are assembled outside the churches. It's a good idea to bring a flashlight as there is one dark tunnel. Also spray your socks with flea powder/bug repellent! The highlight is the cross-shaped St. George church (Bet Giorgis)
