Lalibela


Useful Information

Location: Lalibela, Amhara Region.
(N12 01 45.7 E39 02 25.5)
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Classification: SubterraneaMonolithic Church
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
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History

1181–1221 During the reign of Gebre Mesqel Lalibela first 11 churches built.
1978 inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Description

Lalibela is a complex of eleven underground churches which were cut into the sandstone rock in the 12th century, during the reign of King Lalibela. Legend tells the churches were chiseled by 10,000 artisans during the day, but they got help by angels during the night. The place is a popular Christian pilgrimage destination.

When Gebre Meskel was born in 1162 at a town called Roha, a swarm of bees surrounded him at his birth, which his mother took as a sign that he would be King. He was named ላሊበላ (Lalibela), meaning "the bees recognise his sovereignty" in Old Agaw. Because of this prophecy, he was forced into exile and went to Jerusalem where he lived for many years. He returned and married, but had to flee again. How he actually became King is unknown, but after he was King he tried to convert Roha into a new Jerusalem. According to legend, he carved his 11 monolithic churches at Lalibela out of the stone with only the help of angels.

The site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Because of the destruction of the churches by weathering, they are now sheltered by modern structures of steel and plastic. As the buildings were cut of the rock, it is impossible to repair them, once they are damaged.