Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Resting off on its own, St George's Church is Lalibela's masterpiece. Representing the
apogee of the rock-hewn tradition, the Bet Giyorgis is the most visually perfect church of
all, a 15m-high three-tiered plinth in the shape of a Greek cross; a shape that required no
internal pillars. Due to its exceptional preservation, it also lacks the obtrusive roofing seen
over the other churches.
Inside, light flows in from the windows and illuminates the ceiling's large crosses:
beauty in simplicity. Peer over the curtain to see the maqdas' beautiful dome. There are
also two 800-year-old olive-wood boxes (one with opposing corkscrew keys) that locals
believe were carved by King Lalibela himself and now hold the church's treasures. Some
of the cavities in the walls surrounding the church hold mummified corpses.
NORTHWESTERN GROUP OF CHURCHES
This group contains seven of Lalibela's 13 churches. From a size perspective, as well as
the quality of the interior art, this group is easily the most impressive.
Bet Medhane Alem
Resembling a massive Greek temple more than a traditional Ethiopian church, Bet Med-
hane Alem (House of the Saviour of the World) is impressive for its size and majesty. Said
to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world, it measures 33.5m by 23.5m and is over
11.5m high. Some scholars have suggested it may have been a copy in rock of the original
St Mary of Zion church in Aksum.
The building is surrounded by 34 large, rectangular columns (many are replicas of the
originals). The three jointed at each corner are thought to represent the Holy Trinity. The
interior consists of a barrel-vaulted nave and four aisles with 38 columns supporting the
gabled roof. The three empty graves in one corner are said to have been prepared symbol-
ically for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. On Sundays, worshippers come hoping to be blessed
or healed by the famous 7kg gold Lalibela Cross.
CHURCH
Bet Maryam
Connected to Bet Medhane Alem by a tunnel is a large courtyard containing three
churches. The first, Bet Maryam, is small, yet designed and decorated to an exceptionally
high standard. It's the only church with porches extending off it. Dedicated to the Virgin,
who's particularly venerated in Ethiopia, this is the most popular church among pilgrims.
Some believe it may have been the first built by Lalibela.
CHURCH
