Altitude: 2,630 m. Population: 20,000. Distance from Addis Ababa: approx. 700 km (2-day drive with a stopover in Dessié). Wello (or Wollo) is known as a region of great geographical diversity. Arid, low-fertility high plateaus are followed by lush valleys with rich farmland. Lalibela backs onto the foothills of Mount Abouna Yosef, which rises to 4,190 m above sea level, in the Lasta mountains, which are also rich in ancient churches. In the folds of the relief emerges a group of eleven monumental medieval monolithic churches of great architectural diversity, carved entirely out of volcanic rock. Built under Emperor Lalibela in the 12th century, following the symbolic layout of Jerusalem, with an artificial Jordan River running through the middle, they are nicknamed the New Jerusalem. Listed by UNESCO, these exceptional monuments alone justify a trip to Ethiopia. A small town (more like a cluster of several villages) has grown up near the sanctuaries, making a living from pilgrims and tourists visiting the site. Today, more and more of the non-Orthodox faithful are choosing Lalibela as an alternative pilgrimage site to the Holy Land, whose chronic instability continues to discourage travellers. And so, eight centuries later, history continues to confirm Lalibela's role as the new Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the war in Tigray and clashes between ethnic groups in various parts of Ethiopia in recent years have significantly curbed religious tourism to Lalibela.Relics, priceless treasures. Among the treasures held by almost every church and monastery, the richly illuminated manuscripts are undoubtedly the most impressive. It's not hard to imagine that the making of such books on parchment often took several months, sometimes years, first to produce the parchment from goatskins, then to copy it. The richness and diversity of the colors are due to the use of local natural pigments, as well as imported pigments such as indigo blue and vermilion red, which were transported by the international Red Sea trade.Preserved for centuries by religious communities, it is a great privilege to have access to these often ancient witnesses to Ethiopian written culture. The rest of the treasures are mostly finely worked hand or processional crosses, prayer sticks, icons and crowns bequeathed by Ethiopian sovereigns or nobles, or preserved in churches whose construction they themselves initiated at a time when temporal and spiritual powers were intimately linked. The most precious relics are only displayed in processions during religious festivals such as Fasika (Orthodox Easter) in April or Timkat (which celebrates both Christ's baptism in the Jordan and Epiphany) in January.

What to visit Lalibela?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Lalibela
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Lalibela travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Lalibela

Le village historique des
Le village historique des
L'église de Saint-Georges, le plus beau sanctuaire, témoigne de l'apogée de l'art architectural à Lalibela. Abdesslam BENZITOUNI
Beta Mariam (l'église de Marie) à Lalibela. TRINITY
Send a reply