Introduction
Lalibela is the site of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and if Gondar is ‘Africa's Camelot', then Lalibela is ‘Africa's Petra'. There are eleven medieval churches in all, carved from the bedrock during the Zagwe Dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries. They were commissioned by King Lalibela and, as legend would have it, were constructed with the help of angels.
Today, priests can be seen walking through the tunnels that connect some of the churches, wafting incense as they go. Religious chants echo from the grottos, chambers and churches, the most famous of which is the Church of Saint George. Lalibela's churches are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and have been referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. If you make the trip, it'll be easy to see why.
