Ethiopia's Christians
Overcame Challenges
King Lalibela ordered the construction of the churches as a symbol of the "Holy Land." At that time, the crusades had made pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Bethlehem impossible for Ethiopia's Christians, so the King set about creating a "New Jerusalem."
While connected by a series of tunnels and catacombs, the churches are separated by a deep canal which the Ethiopians have designated "The River Jordan."
One side the churches represents the "worldly Jerusalem." The other side represents "heavenly Jerusalem."
Tour and Race: 7 Days/7 Nights:
Section One (14 October - 21 October)
Arrival Date: October 14th
Tour Begins: Morning of October 15th
Tour Ends 4:00pm, October 21st
2 nights Addis Ababa
2 nights Lalibela
3 nights Hawassa (site of Haile Gebrselassie Marathon)
Section Two (17 October - 24 October)
Arrival Date: October 17th
Tour Begins: Morning of October 18th
Tour Ends 4:00pm, October 24th
2 nights Addis Ababa
3 nights Hawassa (site of Haile Gebrselassie Marathon)
2 nights Lalibela
About this tour
Situated in the highlands about 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are not to be missed. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
Churches such as Emanuel, St. George, St. Mary, and Medhane Alem were built by carving a massive rectangular trench around a solid stone block. This solid block was then hollowed out, leaving interior columns, windows, reliefs, etc. Other churches were carved into the stone but leaving either one side or the roof attached to the surrounding stone. Not only the craftsmanship but the sheer size of the churches are stunning. Medhane Alem, the largest, sits on 800 square meters and St. George is 15 meters deep.
The churches of Lalibela are not just a historical site, they still function as important centers of worship and pilgrimage for members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. This is living history that the priests, monks, nuns, and Christians of Lalibela have kept alive with their devotions, hymns, and celebrations for hundreds of years.
Rock-hewn churches are scattered around northern Ethiopia, but Lalibela's are the most impressive and are included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.