Lalibela: Rock-Hewn Churches and Lasta Tukuls

When looking for a hotel in Lalibela, you can choose where to stay based on the town’s rock-hewn churches, architecture and handicrafts. The eleven churches form a complex that can only be explored on foot; two-story circular houses made from local red stone are also part of the townscape. These themes provide a concrete framework for planning your trip.

Rock-hewn churches: two main groups and Biete Ghiorgis

North of the Jordan River are Biete Medhani Alem, Biete Mariam, Biete Maskal, Biete Denagel and Biete Golgotha Mikael. South of the Jordan River are Biete Amanuel, Biete Qeddus Mercoreus, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Gabriel Raphael and Biete Lehem. Biete Ghiorgis stands apart from the other churches and is connected to them by a system of trenches.

The complex comprises eleven churches in total and can only be explored on foot. The north and south groups, along with Biete Ghiorgis, which stands apart, give you three points of reference when preparing for your visit. The rock-hewn churches continue to serve as a place of pilgrimage; in this way, Lalibela combines its church architecture with an ongoing religious function.

Church architecture and houses

Biete Medhani Alem has five aisles and is said to be the largest monolithic church in the world. Several of Lalibela’s church interiors are decorated with wall paintings. The architectural landscape thus encompasses both the distinctive layout of a single church and paintings in several interiors. Lalibela is also home to two-story circular houses made from local red stone, known as Lasta tukuls. Their circular shape, two stories and building material make up another facet of local architecture alongside the rock-hewn churches.

Handicrafts in town

You’ll find clusters of stalls selling Ethiopian handicrafts in Lalibela’s main square and along the main road south of the churches. These two areas offer specific points of reference for finding local crafts, alongside the church complex. The goods available at individual stalls may change.

Plan your journey

Lalibela Airport is served daily by Ethiopian Airlines flights from Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Aksum. The daily service and the listed departure points provide an initial framework for planning your journey. Routes and frequencies may change, so check the current flight schedule before traveling.

Amhara and Lake Tana

In the wider destination of Amhara, Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest freshwater body. It accounts for 50 percent of the country’s inland waters and is the source of the Abbay, the Blue Nile. For many centuries, the lake has been a political and spiritual center of the Ethiopian Christian faith. The islands of Lake Tana are home to monasteries, churches and palace ruins.

In the wider destination of Amhara, papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is used in the wetlands of the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve as fuel and to build the unique Tanqua reed boats. More than 217 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.

Go to the wider travel overview: North Wello.