Our Trip to Lalibela, Ethiopia

Rock Churches in and near Lalibela
Northern Ethiopia

We visited Yemerehne Kirstos, a cave church located just outside Lalibela Town. A 12th-century Ethiopian Orthodox church, it is built of stone and wood and resembles architectural tradition of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. It houses the tomb of the King and instruments such as drums used for chanting and proclamations. You will also find remains of more than 5,000 Pilgrims who have been to this place.

About Lalibela Churches

Known for its distinctive monolithic churches dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, they have been carved both inside and out from a single rock, making them rather special and unique around the world. They used chisel and hammer to carve the stones. In one area, you can see an original pillar versus a reconstructed pillar.

The churches are called "Biete" which means House. Lalibela is also called the Jerusalem of Africa

To date, Lalibela churches are still in use and remain to be a sacred place of pilgrimage and devotion. There are 11 churches in total with each of them having walls and corners adorned with meaningful symbols. You'll find old paintings, and details brimming with history of Christianity.

All 11 churches are spread out in 3 clusters and can all be reached by foot in one day if you start early. Among all churches, the famous one is the Church of Saint George with its grandness and beauty that never fails to captivate the hearts of many, religious or not.

Видео Our Trip to Lalibela, Ethiopia канала WhileInAfrica