LALIBELA

The Home of the 11th Century Rock-hewn Churches

Lalibela is the home of rock-hewn churches. These churches are great sources of religious and architectural inspiration. As such, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. These churches were built by King Lalibela in the 11th century in Lalibela town. This small town and the surrounding villages have historic sites, churches with beautiful paintings, and breathtaking views.

Getting There

The most common way to get to Lalibela is to take a short, inexpensive domestic flight from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Purchase your international flight from Ethiopian Airlines to obtain the best rates on domestic flights within Ethiopia. It is also accessible by car and bus.

Sites in Lalibela to Explore

Here are a few of the most commonly visited sites in Lalibela. We're happy to work with you to create a custom trip schedule!

Bete Medahnialem

Bete Medahnialem (Savior of the World) church is estimated to be the world’s largest rock-hewn church. Watch for three empty graves that symbolically represent those of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. On special occasions you may be able to see the original Lalibela cross here.

Bete Mariam

Bete Mariam church is the smallest of three rock-hewn churches within a large courtyard, and it is connected to Bete Medhane Alem by a tunnel. This is the first rock-hewn church built by King Lalibela, which then expanded into a group of three, and then into the remaining group of rock-hewn churches. The church contains specially shaped and placed symbolic windows. Inside, the church is painted with many beautiful fresco paintings depicting different types of symbolic animals. Mysteriously, this church has one sacred pillar that is covered in cloth and no one knows what is beneath it.

Bete Giyorgis

Bete Giyorgis is the last of the churches built by King Lalibela, but is one of the most ornate and recognizable. The church is shaped like a cross, and is carved from volcanic rock. This is the only rock-hewn church in Lalibela that has not been covered by the controversial protective scaffolding because it has aged so well. While King Lalibela was finishing what was intended to be his last church, he was visited by St. Gabriel, who arrived riding on a horse. St. Gabriel was upset that a church had not been dedicated to him, so King Lalibela promised to build him the most beautiful of all churches. There is a hoof print high up on one side of the steep rock walls that border the path leading to the church entrance.

Bete Amanuel

Bete Amanuel is a freestanding, monolithic church with Aksumite styling consisting of walls that alternate between projecting outward and recessing inward reminiscent of alternating stone and wood layers. It is most known for its highly decorative and ornate wall friezes, or borders in relief. Outside the church, you may hear the gentle rhythmic hum of bees, which have a hive in the courtyard and produce honey that is widely regarded to have healing properties.

Hikes in the Lasta Mountains

There are many excellent opportunities to hike that are accessible from the town of Lalibela, such as Little Lalibela Mountain, and Asheten Mariam. Hikes through the Lasta Mountains range include spectacular views of growing crops and expansive landscapes.

Lalibela Market (Kdamei Gebeya)

Like the rest of the neighboring regions, Lalibela has an open-air market. The local people call it Kdamei Gebeya, which means Saturday market—it is a major day for the community to purchase for their needs. You can find nearly anything you need at this market, including honey and butter, teff, legumes, spices, and fruits and vegetables that are grown by the local farmers. Woven goods and much more are also available!

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