Ethiopia
Lalibela
Welcome to Lalibela, Ethiopia — home to churches unlike any others on Earth. Instead of building upward with bricks, ancient builders carved these churches straight down into solid volcanic rock.
Why is it famous?
There are 11 churches here, each carved entirely out of one single, giant piece of rock instead of being built brick by brick.
The most famous one, Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), is shaped exactly like a giant cross when you look down at it from above.
How was it built?
Workers carved from the top down, first cutting a deep trench around a huge block of rock, then hollowing out windows, doors, and rooms from the solid stone.
Every wall, pillar, window, and staircase inside was chiseled directly out of the mountain — nothing was stacked or added on.
Amazing facts
According to legend, King Lalibela built these churches so people could visit a holy site without making the long, dangerous journey all the way to Jerusalem.
Bete Giyorgis sits in a pit about 25 meters (82 feet) deep, carved entirely from the rock around it.
Quick facts
- According to legend, King Lalibela built these churches so people could visit a holy site without making the long, dangerous journey all the way to Jerusalem.
- Bete Giyorgis sits in a pit about 25 meters (82 feet) deep, carved entirely from the rock around it.
- The churches are connected by a maze of tunnels and narrow passageways carved right through the rock.
- People still pray and worship inside these churches today, just as they have for around 800 years.