The rock-hewn churches at Lalibela are made through a subtractive processes in which space is created by removing material. Out of the 11 churches, 4 are free-standing (monolithic) and 7 share a wall with the mountain out of which they are carved.

In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, some 645 km from Addis Ababa, eleven medieval monolithic churches were carved out of rock. Their building is attributed to King Lalibela who set out to construct in the 12th century a ‘New Jerusalem’, after Muslim conquests halted Christian pilgrimages to the holy Land.

Oct 15, 2024 · While many spectacular churches have been constructed in Ethiopia, perhaps the country’s most famous churches are the rock-hewn churches. Located 150 miles south of Aksum, Lalibela is the best example of Ethiopia’s hypogean (rock-hewn) architectural tradition.

Jun 27, 2013 · Lalibela's rock-hewn churches — A complex and extensive system of drainage ditches, tunnels and subterranean passageways connects the underground churches, which …

The rock-hewn churches at Lalibela exemplify a building tradition that has been used in Ethiopia since the 6 th and 7 th centuries, but these churches are attributed to the 13 th -century King Lalibela.

May 26, 2024 · In the rugged highlands of Ethiopia, the town of Lalibela is home to one of the world‘s most remarkable architectural achievements: eleven medieval rock-hewn churches, collectively known as the Lalibela rock churches.

Jul 2, 2020 · Less well known than their rock-hewn counterparts in Lalibela to the South, the cave churches of the Gheralta and Hawzien region are found amongst some of the most spectacular scenery that Ethiopia has to offer.

Mar 12, 2023 · Lalibela is home to eleven monolithic rock-hewn churches, the largest of their kind in the world, which have been standing for at least 800 years. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and while much is known about their history, there are still many unanswered questions about their construction.

May 26, 2018 · But without doubt, the highlight of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela was Bete Giyorgis (the Church of Saint George). Thought to be the most finely executed and best preserved rock-cut church in the world, it is the highlight of any trip to Ethiopia.

Jun 17, 2020 · There are 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town. We can divide them into three clusters: five churches in the Northwestern group (symbolizing the earthly Jerusalem), five of them in the Southeastern group (symbolizing the heavenly Jerusalem), and the last Lalibela church standing alone, in the West.