Researchers still do not fully understand the technique used to create the wonder of the monolithic church 800 years ago .
Located in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, about 600km north of the capital Addis Ababa, there is a famous but mysterious town located 2,500 meters above sea level called Lalibela . At the center of this town is a World Heritage site of 11 churches carved from monolithic stone.
The complex is believed to date back to the Zagwe dynasty during the reign of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221), who wanted to establish a “new Jerusalem” on African soil accessible to all Ethiopians. The names of the churches, as well as their characteristics, are reminiscent of Jerusalem buildings such as Golgotha and Adam’s Tomb. In this place, in the 13th century, devout Christians began to carve out red volcanic rocks to “build” 13 churches.
The architecture of the church in the rock in the small town of Lalibela is the most unique proof of the special cultural features of Ethiopia – a multi-ethnic country with many unique and strange traditions.
Lalibeta Stone Church on sunset.
The cliffs have faded over time.
Archaeologists now know a lot about the history of the complex, but there are still unanswered questions, one of which is how they were built. How did the ancient Ethiopians create this intricate wonder with the limited tools and techniques at the time?
Lalibela’s 11 monolithic churches are divided into two main groups: the northern group of 6 churches and the southern group of 4 churches. The other church, Bet Giorgis or St. George, located separately, a short distance from the two main groups.
The churches are connected by a maze of tunnels and passages, each with a unique design and layout. All of them are characterized by impressive rock-cut architecture, with some having intricate facades, columns and archways. The interior is equally impressive with its intricate carvings, frescoes and religious artifacts.
The stone church complex at Lalibela is one of the largest monolithic structures in the world. The largest church, Bet Medhane Alem, is 10 m high, 33 m long and 22 m wide. Biete Medhane Alem means “house of the Savior of the world”.
Visiting this town, you will be able to admire the remaining 11 massive ancient churches. These creative works have turned the mountain town of Lalibela into a proud pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
Despite the difficult journey, many people come here to witness the majestic structures, kiss the ancient stone walls or quietly pray and recite prayers to show their faith in religion and hope. You and your family will be blessed.
There are quite a few stories rumored around the construction of this stone church. In it, there is a legend that humans will undertake the construction of the stone church during the day, and the angels will help speed up the progress at night.
Stone church viewed from above.
It was Saint George who oversaw the work of those angels. Legend holds that the churches were hewn for 24 years, but according to archaeologists, this is not possible. Even today, the completion of this job using a carbon steel-tipped chisel and diamond blade is extraordinary. There are also many other unusual points about the construction of the complex. For example, there should have been a large amount of soil and rock, which had been removed from around and inside the churches, but could not be found anywhere.
Paintings inside the church.
Pilgrims from other places come to pray in large numbers.
Built in the shape of a cross, with intricately sculpted windows, St. George’s church has a complex system of sewers, tunnels, underground passages, and many underground and walled structures. stone. As the Sun descends, the church appears pink and then turns yellow and moss green before darkness falls.
Thanks to its impressive architecture and Christian influences, this church was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1978. Five years ago, UNESCO decided to erect coverings to protect part of the park. this program.
The stone churches in Lalibela have been administered by both the Church and the Ethiopian government for centuries. It is home to a community of priests and monks, making it a popular destination for pilgrims to celebrate major holidays according to the Ethiopian Christian calendar.