Lalibela, Ethiopia
the Rock churches
my tour operator
airplane from Axum airport
my hotel in Lalibela
Ethiopia adopted Christianity as a state religion as early as the 4th century. In the 12th century, the king had 11 churches carved out of solid rock in the ancient capital city of Lalibela. Some of these red volcanic rock structures were carved below ground level and encircled by deep trenches, while others were attached to surrounding rock outcroppings. A network of tunnels and narrow passageways connected them.
people coming from church
the church cut from the rock
the side wall
church door
a window carved in the rock
religious sign
the priest
the priest with the crossss
cross detail
drums used in processions
St. George
Wall paintings decorate the interior of the
rock-cut Church of St. George at Lalibela; some depict the life of St. George,
who is said to have supervised the church's construction. According to legend,
his horse left a hoof print that is still visible in the courtyard of the
church.
Text from Microsoft Encarta
a pilgrim
the church cut from the rock
the door and lock
inner iron gate
the priest
donkeys waiting for the pilgrims to return
