Lalibela (ላሊበላ) is a living testament to medieval engineering skills and deep faithof Ethiopians. While many historical sites feel like museums, Lalibela feels like a continuous tradition. The churches were commissioned by King Lalibela in the 13th century, intended to create a "New Jerusalem" on Ethiopian soil.
Architecture and Engineering
The most striking feature of these churches is that they are monolithic. Instead of building upwards, the craftsmen cut deep trenches into the volcanic red tuff (volcanic ash rock) and then carved the churches out of the remaining central blocks.
Precision: Workers carved doors, windows, columns, and intricate drainage systems using only hand tools.
Bet Medhane Alem: This is the largest monolithic church in the world, supported by 72 pillars.
Bet Giorgis(St. George): Shaped like a perfect cross, it is the most iconic of the group, standing isolated in its own deep pit.
The Spiritual Atmosphere
Visiting Lalibelarock churches of Northern Ethiopiais an immersive experience. You will see white-robed priests and pilgrims chanting in ancient Ge'ez, the scent of frankincense in the air, and narrow, dark tunnels connecting the church clusters. These tunnels were designed to symbolize the path to heaven or the journey of the soul.
How to VisitLalibela Churchesin Two Days
For travelers with limited time in Addis Ababa, a two-day trip is perfectly feasible thanks to daily local flights.
The Flight: Ethiopian Airlines operates several flights daily from Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) to Lalibela. The flight takes approximately 1 hour.
Day 1: Take an early morning flight. Upon arrival, visit the Northwestern Cluster, which includes the massive Bet Medhane Alem and the beautifully decorated Bet Maryam.
Day 2: Spend the morning exploring the Southeastern Cluster and the famous Bet Giyorgis. Take a late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Best Time to Visit Lalibela
While the churches are open year-round, January is the peak season.
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna): Celebrated on January 7.
Epiphany (Timket): Celebrated on January 18 and 19.
During these times, the town fills with thousands of pilgrims, providing a unique look at Ethiopia’s ancient religious traditions.
Contact me to plan your private tour to the rock carved churches of Lalibela by flight from Addis Ababa.