Church of Saint George, Rock-hewn church in Lalibela, Ethiopia
The Church of Saint George is a rock-hewn church in Lalibela, carved fifteen meters deep into volcanic stone as a symmetrical cross. A narrow trench separates the freestanding structure from the surrounding rock walls.
King Lalibela ordered the church built around 1200 as part of a group of eleven rock churches meant to recreate a new Jerusalem. It was carved last among these structures and became known as the crown of the entire complex.
Worshippers wear white shawls during services and kiss the carved rock walls as they enter the interior space. Priests keep centuries-old manuscripts and liturgical objects in niches cut directly into the stone.
Visitors must remove shoes and walk on protective carpets across the stone floors before entering the interior. Local guides lead through narrow passages and point out architectural details in the carved chambers.
The roof contains elaborate drainage channels carved into solid rock for eight centuries that keep rainwater away from the building. These grooves direct water into underground chambers that still function today.
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