Lalibela
Visited in September 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Region
- Amhara
- Population
- 30,000
- Best time to go
- October to March
- Main airport
- Lalibela (LLI)
- Coordinates
- 12.03°N, 39.04°E
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Overview
Lalibela is a small mountain town built around one of the wonders of the Christian world: eleven churches carved down into solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. They are still active places of worship, with priests, chanting and pilgrims in white.
Allow at least two days to see the churches with a guide and to explore the surrounding highlands. The region has seen unrest in recent years, so check current travel advice before planning a visit.
Things to see
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Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0 Church of St George
Cut down into the rock in the shape of a cross, this is the most famous and most photographed of the churches.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0 Bete Medhane Alem
Thought to be the largest monolithic church in the world, surrounded by rows of massive columns.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bete Maryam
One of the oldest churches, with carved crosses and painted ceilings inside.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0 Eastern group of churches
Linked by tunnels and trenches, including the tall façade of Bete Gabriel-Rufael.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Damien Halleux Radermecker from PARIS, FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 Yemrehanna Krestos
An older church built inside a cave, around an hour's drive from town.
Things to do
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Hike to Asheton Maryam
A steep morning walk to a monastery on the mountain above town, with sweeping views.
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Photo: A. Davey from Where I Live Now: Pacific Northwest, CC BY 2.0 Dawn service
Come early to hear chanting by candlelight as pilgrims gather in the churches.
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Genna or Timkat
Christmas in early January and Epiphany later that month draw huge crowds of pilgrims.
Where to stay
Town centre
Guesthouses and hotels within walking distance of the church complexes.
Hotels in Town centreHillside hotels
Lodges on the slopes outside town, with views over the valley.
Hotels in Hillside hotels
Getting around
The churches are close together and walkable with a guide. Tuk-tuks and drivers handle trips out of town.
Flights from Addis Ababa land at the airport, around 30 minutes' drive from town.
When to go
October to March is dry and clear, with warm days and cool nights. Genna and Timkat in January are unforgettable but very busy, so book well ahead. The rains run from June to September.
Plan your trip to Lalibela
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.