For many Ethiopians Lalibela is the very end of the Christian pilgrimage; the venerated place where mankind can go to interface with god. It’s been sacred since its construction in the 12th century, when the Zagwe emperor and saint, Gebre Mesqel Lalibela is said to have piously initiated the construction of a New Jerusalem on the site.
Today the city showcases the magnificent Axumite Yemrehanna Kristos church, and continues to form the epicentre of Christian worship in the region, always swarming with visitors during the festivals of Ledet (Christmas) and Timkat (Epiphany) each year. It is also one of the country’s most fascinating cultural monuments, and one of the undisputed finest examples of religious monolith architecture on earth. Don’t leave without standing in awe at the great Bete Medhane Alem, thought to be the largest monolith rock church on the planet, or taking a trek in the surrounding hills, perhaps to gain the breath-taking views at the Maryam Monastery. Also, be sure to ask your Lalibela tourist guide for the low down on the Bete Giyorgis, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Golgotha, said to contain the tomb of Saint Gebre Mesqel himself!