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.
Get Inspired
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Ethiopia
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,242 ReviewsWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
Ben DaubeKatie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com CustomerSuch thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.JennaWorking with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified