Lalibela Ethiopia Tours

Lalibela The absolute highlight of any visit to Ethiopia is the 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Inspired by his visit to Jerusalem King Lalibela wanted to create a New Jerusalem in Ethiopia. How they managed to carve these beautiful churches out of the rock, how big the workforce was and how long they have been working on it is not known. The result is magnificent and goes beyond imagination. What it makes more special, even magical, is that the churches are operating like time never passed. Needless to say Lalibela is listed as a World Heritage Site. Heaven and Earth The eleven churches are separated in two clusters and a freestanding church. It is said the clusters represent earthly and heavenly Jerusalem respectively and the freestanding church is the famous Bet Giyorgis. Famous because, being the last one constructed, it is considered by many the most beautiful church and it is symbolizing Lalibela on almost every picture. Lalibela is alive While in Lalibela your guide can inform you where a (mostly early morning) service is held. Every Ethiopian Orthodox Church needs to have a Tabot (a replica of the Ark of the Covenant) to be able to function as a church. The Tabot is consecrated in the name of a Saint (the patron) and on the Saint day, once a month, a special service is held. With many churches around there is almost always a Saint day celebrated. It is a very mystical experience to observe and it shows religion in Lalibela is very much alive. If you manage to catch a yearly celebration, when the Tabot is taken out of the Makdas (holy of holiest) you will enjoy a even more colorful event. #ethiopia #lalibela #church #lalibelachurches #lalibelaethiopia #churchlalibela #africa #travel #mamaru #mamaruendris #mamaruethiopiantours #mamarulocalguide