Lalibela

Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia, in the Amhara Region. It serves as the administrative center of Lalibela woreda in the North Wollo Zone and sits at an elevation of about 2,600 meters above sea level. The town is famous for its rock-hewn churches, a remarkable group of medieval Christian temples carved directly into volcanic tuff in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

The churches were created during the Zagwe dynasty, with tradition attributing their construction to King Lalibela, who is said to have ordered the creation of a “New Jerusalem” as a pilgrimage center. The 11 churches are carved from single blocks of rock and are arranged in clusters connected by trenches, passages, and causeways. Notable examples include the cross-shaped Church of Saint George (Bete Giyorgis) and the large Church of Saint Mary (Bete Maryam), along with several others such as Bete Medhane Alem.

UNESCO designated Lalibela a World Heritage Site in 1978 under the name Sacred City of Lalibela, highlighting its outstanding medieval rock-cut architecture and its ongoing religious significance. The site remains an active pilgrimage destination for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, with ceremonies and processions especially prominent during Epiphany and Christmas. The Church of Saint Mary of Zion, located in Lalibela, is traditionally believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

Today, Lalibela is a focal point for tourism as well as faith, supported by a regional airport and road connections. Visitors come to study the architecture, participate in religious observances, and experience the town’s historic atmosphere.