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History–Tours
1181late 12th – early 13th century · Lalibela

Carving of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

The cross-shaped rock-hewn Church of St George at Lalibela, Ethiopia
Photo: Ji-Elle. CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Under King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty, eleven churches were carved downward into volcanic rock and linked by trenches and tunnels. Tradition says the king intended a New Jerusalem. The churches are still in daily use by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and thousands of white-robed pilgrims gather there for Genna, the Ethiopian Christmas.

Travel advisory. The Amhara region has seen armed conflict since 2023 and several governments advise against travel there; flights have been intermittent. We list this event for reference, and don't list guides here until travel is possible again.

Sites

  1. Site 1: Bete Giyorgis (Church of St George)Cross-shaped church cut 12 metres down into the rock.Map ↗
  2. Site 2: Bete Medhane AlemLargest of the monolithic churches, ringed by columns.Map ↗

More from the Medieval

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