The rock-hewn churches — a living "New Jerusalem"
Lalibela is Ethiopia's most iconic destination and one of the world's greatest architectural wonders. In the 12th century, King Lalibela ordered the carving of eleven medieval churches directly into the living rock, creating a "New Jerusalem" for pilgrims who could no longer travel to the Holy Land.\n\nThe most famous is Bete Giyorgis, the Church of St. George, cut in the shape of a perfect Greek cross. These UNESCO-listed churches are not monuments of the past but living places of worship, where white-robed priests and devoted pilgrims still gather for prayer and festivals, especially the colourful Genna and Timkat celebrations.
Bete Giyorgis (St. George)
Bete Medhane Alem
Bete Maryam
Bete Golgotha Mikael
Asheton Maryam hilltop monastery
Yemrehanna Kristos cave church
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