MikeLigalig.com

In the rugged mountains of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is a religious center that's home to 11 famous rock-hewn churches.


Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, dating back to the early fourth century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church used to be a part of Egypt's Coptic Church, but established its own patriarch in 1959. Today, nearly two thirds of the East African country's population is Christian, with most belonging to the Orthodox Church. (From Errol Barnett, CNN, June 27 2013)

The spectacular churches were carved both inside and out from a single rock some 900 years ago.

The Church of St. George is perhaps the most famous of Lalibela's 11 churches. Builders would have had to have started carving at the top working their way down.

A complex and extensive system of drainage ditches, tunnels and subterranean passageways connects the underground churches, which were carved out of volcanic tuff rock.

Locals say that some 80,000 to 100,000 people visit the small town every year, many of whom traverse the rocky roads on foot.

UNESCO declared Lalibela a World Heritage Site in 1978. Five years ago, the international agency erected protective coverings to shield four of the churches from the elements. Experts say they are critical to preserving the integrity of the structures.

A view of one of the churches from one of the tunnels which link many of the sacred sites.

A local priest assigned to the House of Emmanuel, one of Lalibela's churches.


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