Lalibela

Lalibela

Lalibela is The mountain town with its cluster of 13th century churches. It is an incredible labyrinth of 11 monolithic churches, tunnels and catacombs. They are carved out of the red, soft volcanic tuff. Literally, is anchored in the earth. There’s no architecture or sculpture quite like them. They are different In scale, number and variety of form. Many of the churches are free-standing and elaborate. One called St. George stands approximately 75 feet high. And is intricately shaped as a cross. Although,  A few are still quite cave-like.  

Ecclesiastical tradition attribute them all the reign of King Lalibela.  The King reigned until 1221. Certainly, he wanted to create a “New Jerusalem”. After Saladin captured the old one. But how they were built has been lost in the fog of time. Even more, The place is very much alive with powerful ceremonies and rituals. Which are older than the churches themselves. This place is famous for pilgrimage of Ethiopian Christmas “Gena”. Further more, Full of chanting priests and ancient churches carved out of the rock, Lalibela oozes atmosphere.

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