Lalibela, Religious mountain town in Amhara, Ethiopia.
Eleven churches stand carved directly into volcanic rock formations at an elevation of 2500 meters in northern Ethiopia's mountains.
King Lalibela commissioned these monumental structures in the 12th century to establish a new religious center after Muslim forces captured Jerusalem.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gather by thousands during religious celebrations like Timkat and Genna to worship in these ancient stone churches.
Visitors need sturdy walking shoes to navigate between the churches through a network of tunnels and trenches connecting the religious structures.
Each of the eleven churches maintains its original stone-cut decorations, religious symbols, and architectural elements without added materials or mortar.
Location: Lasta
Elevation above the sea: 2,500 m
GPS coordinates: 12.03556,39.04620
Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:50
Ethiopia features medieval churches in Lalibela, mountain ranges in Simien National Park and ancient obelisks in Axum. The Danakil region displays sulfur springs and salt plains. The historic city of Harar Jugol and Bale Mountains complement the geological and cultural elements. Monasteries on Lake Tana islands, volcanic areas and national parks present the natural and architectural diversity of Ethiopia.
Church of Saint George
704 m
Fasil Ghebbi
182.9 km
Ras Dashen
152.6 km
Monolithic churches in Lalibela
935 m
Simien Mountains National Park
166.3 km
Blue Nile Falls
170.3 km
Bet Amanuel
374 m
Dabbahu Volcano
167.2 km
Bete Abba Libanos
491 m
Mount Abuna Yosef
19.1 km
Bete Gebriel-Rufael
492 m
Tigray Stadium
167.5 km
Bete Merqorewos
445 m
Istifanos Monastery
105.2 km
Biete Lehem
469 m
Church of Debra Berhan Selassie
182 km
Bete Golgota-Selassié
396 m
Asheton Maryam Monastery
3.5 km
Angereb Reservoir
181.5 km
Martyrs Memorial Monument
184.4 km
Hiza'iti Wedi Cheber
157.3 km
Gereb Mihiz
147.6 km
Biet Debre Sina
402 m
Chichat
175.1 km
Ma Alalta
166.6 km
Na’akueto La’ab
4.4 km
Betqua
146.9 km
Addi Qenafiz
141.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes