Biete Lehem

Biete Lehem stands as a monolithic church entirely carved from solid bedrock, featuring precise architectural details throughout its underground structure.

The church emerged between the 7th and 13th centuries during the Kingdom of Axum, representing a significant achievement in medieval Ethiopian construction methods.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gather at this sacred site to perform traditional ceremonies and religious practices that have continued for many centuries.

Visitors can access the church through organized tours that include professional guides who explain the architectural and religious elements of the structure.

The church's construction required workers to carve downward into solid rock, creating both the exterior and interior spaces from a single stone block.

Location: Lalibela

Part of: Monolithic churches in Lalibela

GPS coordinates: 12.03169,39.04451

Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:51