Lalibela

Lalibela Trips

Lalibela is renowned for its cluster of rock-hewn churches, one of the world’s greatest religious historical sites and Ethiopia’s top attraction. The churches are mostly cut from solid rock and have the appearance of being underground –  their dark interiors have little natural or artificial light. The most famous church is Bete Giorgis, carved in the form of a Greek cross; it is exceptionally well preserved and visually the most perfect of them all. 

On Lalibela tours you'll explore these distant churches, finding a resident priest in each, and he's usually happy to put on richly embroidered vestments and pose for a photo with his crosses, ancient bibles and sunglasses – due to constant camera flashes! Although the churches are remote, they are not short of worshippers: most Ethiopians, certainly of the older generation, are devout Orthodox Christians, and the services in the churches on religious festivals are of marathon length – 16 hours for one service is not unusual...