Discover an exceptional adventure at Church of St George, Lalibela
Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser
Country: Ethiopia 
The Experience
Traveling is a popular hobby these days. As the world is far and wide, we get to escape from the commotion of city living, spend quality time with our loved ones and explore our only home – planet earth. Aside from these, historical tidbits also dabble in our travels.
One of the travel destinations with rich historic and religious importance is the country lying in the outskirts of Africa – Ethiopia. Mentioned many times in the bible and in Quran, Ethiopia nestles 11 monolithic churches scattered across the country. Purely carved out of bedrock, these churches are made from ancient innovation in the 13th century. Also known as Bete Giyorgis, it is hailed as the eighth wonder of the world and is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Inspired after Gebre Mesqel Lalibela from the Zagwe Dynasty, this church was constructed several feet below the ground level. Legend says that the King was poisoned by his uncle to dethrone him and during his untimely demise; the King was able to talk to angels and promised the heavens to build only the best churches if resurrected. True enough, the king was resurrected and from then on, the King started building these churches. The King was inspired by Jerusalem and wishes to do the same in his country. The Bete Giyorgis is the last one built but it is the most popular tourist destination.
One of the travel destinations with rich historic and religious importance is the country lying in the outskirts of Africa – Ethiopia. Mentioned many times in the bible and in Quran, Ethiopia nestles 11 monolithic churches scattered across the country. Purely carved out of bedrock, these churches are made from ancient innovation in the 13th century. Also known as Bete Giyorgis, it is hailed as the eighth wonder of the world and is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Inspired after Gebre Mesqel Lalibela from the Zagwe Dynasty, this church was constructed several feet below the ground level. Legend says that the King was poisoned by his uncle to dethrone him and during his untimely demise; the King was able to talk to angels and promised the heavens to build only the best churches if resurrected. True enough, the king was resurrected and from then on, the King started building these churches. The King was inspired by Jerusalem and wishes to do the same in his country. The Bete Giyorgis is the last one built but it is the most popular tourist destination.
When to Go
If you are tired from the usual travel routines like shopping, dining or picture-taking, then a trip to St George in Lalibela will definitely give you a break. Tourists can only see vast landscape with several foliages that accentuate the scenery at first. Tourists should hike nearer the site to get a closer glimpse of the church as it is built below ground level. Lying beside the church is a small baptismal pool that truly completes the tranquil scenery which makes the experience more special.
Day-hike may sound tiring but it is definitely worth it. Besides, it helps to lose a calorie or two. From a distance, the church looks battered. If you look closely, you get to appreciate more of the church interiors which are made of beautiful carvings inside and out. All these interiors complete the sacred experience of the tourists who visits this place.
Summer or spring is the best time to go to this place. The clear blue sky and lush greeneries will definitely take your breath away. Avoid rainy weather to spare yourself from muddy and slippery trail. Do not forget to wear clothing and bring things appropriate for day-hike. If you want this kind of experience, book a flight from your country to Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa to reach this place.
Day-hike may sound tiring but it is definitely worth it. Besides, it helps to lose a calorie or two. From a distance, the church looks battered. If you look closely, you get to appreciate more of the church interiors which are made of beautiful carvings inside and out. All these interiors complete the sacred experience of the tourists who visits this place.
Summer or spring is the best time to go to this place. The clear blue sky and lush greeneries will definitely take your breath away. Avoid rainy weather to spare yourself from muddy and slippery trail. Do not forget to wear clothing and bring things appropriate for day-hike. If you want this kind of experience, book a flight from your country to Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa to reach this place.
Odds n' Ends
You can book your hotel accommodation beforehand or you can avail of the cheap accommodations of Inns and Hostels that surround the airport area. From the airport, you can ride buses or trains to go Lalibela but the journey is not the best as it takes too much time and the roads are underdeveloped. You can try a faster route via domestic flight that takes you in this place in no time. From here, the route to the site is very easy as local transportation will take you directly to the tourist attraction You can rent a taxi from the airport too if you want.
After the day-hike, indulge yourself in genuine Ethiopian cuisine. Their cuisines are comprised of meat dishes, sourdough bread and stew in a rich and spicy flavor. Have fun eating the Ethiopian way: with your hands! You can also shop for authentic Ethiopian souvenirs in the nearby Lalibela market.
After the day-hike, indulge yourself in genuine Ethiopian cuisine. Their cuisines are comprised of meat dishes, sourdough bread and stew in a rich and spicy flavor. Have fun eating the Ethiopian way: with your hands! You can also shop for authentic Ethiopian souvenirs in the nearby Lalibela market.
More Experiences Nearby
- Get Locked into History at the Elmina Slave Castle
- As the door slammed shut, a wave of claustrophobia enveloped the thirty-two people crammed into a dingy cell at the Elmina Castle on the Ghanaian Gold Coast. The cells here are no bigger than an average closet, and the only light which can be seen from the inside is a small square of light at the door. Everything inside the cell was black and quiet except for the breathing of those people around me. A few moments later, the door swung open and my lungs breathed in fresh air with relief. The staggering moment came when our tour guide informed ...364 miles away.
- Catch a Bird's Eye View of the Rainforest in Kakum National Park
- My heart pounds as I look over the landscape. Taking the first step is key to one of the greatest experiences I'll have in Ghana, if I can just get over the height. One deep breathe in and I'm going for it. Stepping onto the first bridge feels like freedom in the sky. It's a shaky freedom for me but freedom nonetheless. Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North ...386 miles away.
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
