Lalibela: The Churches in Ethiopia Carved from Solid Rock

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 10

Lalibela, a town known among Ethiopians, is located in the mountainous terrains of the heart of Ethiopia. It is 645 kilometers from its capital, Addis Ababa, where 11 churches were carved by hand into a monolithic rock. One of the churches, Biete Giyorgis (House of Saint George), was famously carved in the shape of a cross.

There are two main groups of churches that form Lalibela, including the North of the Jordan River group, which contains Biete Medani Alem (House Of The Savior Of The World), Biete Mariam (House Of Mary), Beite Maskal (House Of The Cross), Biete Denagel (House Of Virgins), Biete Golagotha Mikael (House Of Golagotha Mikael). Biete Giyorgis is north of the river, but is carved from a separate rock from to the other north-side churches.

The group to the south of the Jordan River contains Biete Ammanuel (House Of Emmanuel), Biete Queddus Mercoreus (House Of Saint Mercoreus), and Biete Gabriel Raphael (House Of Gabriel Raphael).

Some people may wonder how the 11 churches are connected, but they are linked by a system of trenches, ditches, and passageways used for different ceremonies. Not only is it connecting the churches, but it is also helping with plumbing and other problems.

The structure of the church is unusual. The church was not built traditionally but carved by hand from monolithic rock. Chisels were used to carve and shape details, including numerous floors, roofs, columns, windows, and doors. Additionally, the amazing work was completed using drainage ditches and trenches.

Biet Medani Alem is believed to be the largest church in the world carved from a single rock. However, Biete Ghiorgis has an astounding cruciform layout. While most of the churches in Lalibela have been used as churches, some are thought to have been formal royal residences, such as Biete Mercoreos and Biete Gabriel Rafael. This is because most of the interior is decorated with mural paintings.

Due to Lalibela's long history, structural problems have emerged and are recognized. Biet Ammanuel is at risk of collapsing, but it is not the only church with structural problems; other locations have structural issues as well.

For centuries, Lalibela has existed with a loyal community that cares for it and serves the holy church. Today, Lalibela makes every Ethiopian proud.

[Source: UNESCO]