Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On its eastern wall you'll see two sets of three windows. The upper set is thought to
represent the Holy Trinity, while the lower three, set below a small cross-shaped window,
are believed to represent the crucifixion of Jesus and the two sinners. The lower right win-
dow has a small opening above it, a signal that this sinner was accepted to heaven after re-
penting his sins and asking for Jesus' help. The lower left window, which represents the
criminal who went to hell, has the small opening below it.
Above the western porch and squeezed beneath the roof is a rare and beautifully carved
bas-relief of St George fighting the dragon.
Inside, the ceilings and upper walls are painted with very early frescoes, and the
columns, capital and arches are covered in beautifully carved details including a curious
two-headed eagle and two fighting bulls, one white, one black (thought to represent good
and evil). At the eastern end of the tall nave, surrounded by seven galleries, is a holy
column with inscriptions in Ge'ez, Hebrew and Greek kept permanently wrapped in cloth.
Bet Meskel
Carved into the courtyard's northern wall at Bet Maryam is the tiny semi-chapel of Bet
Meskel. Four pillars divide the gallery into two aisles spanned by arcades.
CHAPEL
Bet Danaghel
To the south of the Bet Maryam courtyard is the chapel of Bet Danaghel (House of Vir-
gins), said to have been constructed in memory of the maiden nuns martyred on the orders
of the 4th-century Roman emperor Julian in Edessa (modern-day Turkey).
CHAPEL
Bet Golgotha & Bet Mikael
A trench at the southern end of the Bet Maryam courtyard connects it to the twin churches
of Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael (also known as Bet Debre Sina). The pair have the only
cruciform pillars of Lalibela's churches. The entrance leads first to Bet Mikael and then to
Bet Golgotha, which women can't enter.
Bet Golgotha is known for containing some of the best early examples of Ethiopian
Christian art including some amazing life-size depictions of the 12 Apostles carved into
the walls' niches. Four are visible with the other eight behind the curtains in the off-limits
Selassie Chapel
, one of Lalibela's holiest sanctuaries and home to more fantastic art and
also the reputed tomb of King Lalibela himself.
CHURCHES
