Lalibela can be understood through the spatial layout of its churches and the differences between the structures. The rock-hewn churches’ continuing role as a place of pilgrimage is also part of their character.

The Churches Around the Jordan River

North of the Jordan River are Biete Medhani Alem, Biete Mariam, Biete Maskal, Biete Denagel, and Biete Golgotha Mikael. South of the river are Biete Amanuel, Biete Qeddus Mercoreus, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Gabriel Raphael, and Biete Lehem. These make up two groups of ten churches. Biete Ghiorgis stands apart from the other churches and is connected to them by a system of trenches. The riverside setting and the church standing apart give the complex a clear spatial layout.

Churches and Lasta Tukuls

Biete Medhani Alem has five aisles and is considered the largest monolithic church in the world. Several interiors of Lalibela’s churches are decorated with wall paintings. Together, these features show different aspects of the churches’ architecture, though the wall paintings cannot be attributed to any single church. The round houses are also part of Lalibela’s built environment: these two-story houses made of local red stone are known as Lasta Tukuls. Their rounded shape and the material used add another architectural facet to the town.

Explore on Foot and Find Your Bearings Locally

The complex of eleven churches can only be explored on foot. So make walking an integral part of your visit planning. The rock-hewn churches continue to serve as a place of pilgrimage; their ongoing religious function is as important to understanding Lalibela as their architectural forms. In this way, finding your way between the individual churches goes hand in hand with considering the role the site continues to play as a place of pilgrimage.

Stalls selling Ethiopian handicrafts are concentrated around Lalibela’s main square and along the main road south of the churches. These two areas offer clear points of reference if you are interested in local handicrafts. Individual stalls and their operations may change.

Getting There by Air

Lalibela Airport is 25 kilometres from the town centre, with a paved road connecting them. Ethiopian Airlines flies there daily from Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, and Aksum. Routes and flight frequencies may change. So check the current schedule before travelling if you plan to rely on one of these connections.

Amhara: Lake Tana

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

More than 217 bird species have been recorded in the wetlands of the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve. Papyrus is used there as fuel and to build the unique Tanqua reed boats. These regional natural and cultural features are part of the wider travel destination of Amhara.

See the wider travel overview: North Wello.