Overview
Take a trip to Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches on your Ethiopia Vacation
Lalibela Rock Churches in the northern Ethiopian town of Lalibela are fascinating for their construction and history, much of which is mired in mystery. The churches were hewn from living rock, chiselled by hand, forming doors, windows, columns, floors, roofs, and other structures, and completed with a system of drainages, trenches, and ceremonial passages. The churches were believed to have been built under King Lalibela, the emperor of Ethiopia, during the 12th and 13th centuries. Another theory attributes the construction of the rock-hewn churches to the Knights Templar.
There are 11 Lalibela churches in all, five to the north of Jordan River, five to the south, and one isolated church. Of them, the Biete Medhane Alem is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world. Paths and tunnels connect the churches, each of which has a unique design and layout, and is characterized by rock-cut architecture. The interiors feature elaborate carvings, frescoes, and religious artifacts. Visiting all the churches will take a full day. As the churches are an active worship and pilgrimage site, it is advisable to dress respectfully.
At a Glance
Languages
Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, TigrinyaCurrency
Ethiopian birrWhat do the experts say?
If you are looking to experience something truly unique then plan your trip to coincide with Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19th for colourful processions of priests carrying the Tabots (Ark replicas)
When in the Addis Ababa, coffee lovers should make sure to visit Aster Bunna: A cozy and long-standing coffee house renowned by locals for serving some of the best-quality Ethiopian coffee in the city.
Ethiopia is one of the few places in the world that uses a 13-month calendar and its own 12-hour clock system, meaning the country is currently seven years behind the rest of the world.
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