Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches, Ethiopia

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are a sight to behold. We visited this world-famous world heritage site in October while on our around the world trip and hopefully captured their magic in this vlog video. When you step into the volcanic rock maze of paths leading to the churches, you feel as if you are transported into the past. Then, seeing a 15m high stone building carved into the rock places you in a state of pure awe. Being inside some of them, makes you appreciate the work put into this world wonder even more.

Ethiopia has a rich history dating back thousands of years yet its most famous ones are only about 700 years old. There are a total of 11 Rock-Hewn Churches in Lalibela split into the North(West) Site, the South(East) Site and the Biet Giyorgis. Navigating is made easier through a map you can get at the entrance or by hiring a guide. A guide is also useful to know when you can and when you should not enter a church, although people will prevent you from entering anyway if there is a mass going on. The most impressive might be the monolithic free-standing churches namely Biet Giorgis (St George), Biete Medhane Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), Biete Maryam (House of Miriam/House of Mary), Biete Amanuel (House of Immanuel), but the other smaller churches which are not free-standing but rather are still connected from one or more sides to the rocks have their own whimsical charm.
If you want to experience Ethiopian religion and culture there is no better place.