Lalibela, Rock Churches
The medieval monolithic cave
churches of this 13th-century are situated in a mountainous region in northern Ethiopia. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilgrimage and devotion. This remarkable rock-cut architectured churches are found some 645 km north from Addis Ababa. Their building is attributed to King Lalibela who set out to construct in the 12th century flourished after the decline of the Aksum Empire.
The portion is divided in to main group of churches, Northern Group and eastern group of churches. Exclusively one remarkable church called "saint George" set to be stand alon within its cruciform design, but connected with other churches by the trench system.
The churches were not constructed in a traditional way but rather were hewn from the living rock of monolithic blocks..
These blocks were further chiselled out, forming doors, windows, columns, various floors, roofs etc. This gigantic work was further completed with an extensive system of drainage ditches, trenches and ceremonial passages, some with openings to hermit caves and catacombs.
Biete Medhani Alem, with its five aisles, is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world.
Most were probably used as churches from the outset, but Biete Mercoreos and Biete Gabriel Rafael may formerly have been royal residences. Several of the interiors are decorated with mural paintings
Near the churches, the village of Lalibela has two storey round houses, constructed of local red stone, and known as the Lasta Tukuls. These exceptional churches have been the focus of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians since the 12th century
All the eleven churches represent a unique artistic achievement, in their execution, size and the variety and boldness of their form.
In the Church of Biet Golgotha, are replicas of the tomb of Christ, and of Adam, and the crib of the Nativity. The holy city of Lalibela became a substitute for the holy places of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and as such has had considerable influence on Ethiopian Christianity..
The whole of Lalibela offers an exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia.
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are still preserved in their natural settings. The association of the rock-hewn churches and the traditional vernacular circular houses, in the surrounding area, still demonstrate evidence of the ancient village layout. The original function of the site as a pilgrimage place still persists and provides evidence of the continuity of social practices. The intangible heritages associated with church practices are still preserved.
Lalibela is Home to a large community of priests and monks, it is a living site which draws many pilgrims to celebrate the great feasts of the Ethiopian Christian calendar. This is the very important and holiest place to host Ethiopian Christmas on January 7th.
