About
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, also known as the Lalibela Churches, are a group of eleven medieval churches in the town of Lalibela, in Ethiopia's Amhara Region. They were carved from solid volcanic rock, not built up from stone blocks, so each church sits within the ground it was cut from.
The churches date from the 12th century and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local tradition calls the town the New Jerusalem of Ethiopia, and many visitors find the setting as striking as the architecture.
What a visit involves
- Walking between the churches, which are linked by trenches, tunnels and narrow paths cut into the rock.
- Seeing the churches at different levels, some reached by steps down into open pits.
- Watching worshippers and clergy at work, as the churches remain places of active devotion.
Because the site is a place of worship, dress modestly and ask before taking photographs of people. Shoes are usually removed when entering the churches.
Around the site
Lalibela itself is a small town, and the churches are its main draw, so most visits are built around the site. The surrounding highlands of the Amhara Region offer further landscapes for those with time to explore beyond the town.
For opening arrangements and to confirm details before travelling, you can call the site on +251-333-360027.