The monolithic churches of Lalibela were built in the 12th century on the orders of King Lalibela, who wanted to create an Ethiopian Christian pilgrimage site to rival Jerusalem. These structures were carved directly into volcanic rock, giving them a unique architecture and sacred character.
In the 12th century, King Lalibela wanted to create a sacred place, a kind of new Jerusalem in Ethiopia to spare his subjects the long and perilous pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which was at the time under Muslim control. Very devout, he claimed to have had divine visions commanding him to build these impressive churches, carved directly from the underground rock. His goal: to strengthen the Christian faith and his political power in Ethiopia. For Lalibela, it was both a powerful religious act and a way to assert his authority over the people and religious communities. Even today, these churches bear witness to his spiritual and historical ambition.
Building underground churches was primarily a way to protect oneself. At the time, many invaders roamed the neighboring regions, so erecting hidden structures in the rock allowed for keeping sacred places safe from attacks or looting. Being underground also offered a major practical advantage: maintaining a more stable temperature throughout the year, which was perfect for celebrations or religious ceremonies.
But symbolism plays a significant role as well. These churches carved directly into the rock clearly evoke caves or tombs. This underground aspect symbolizes the passage from death to life, serving as a very powerful spiritual metaphor. In Lalibela, building downwards rather than upwards suggests a path of humility and closeness to the divine. The idea was to symbolically replicate Jerusalem, but underground, thereby creating a "New Jerusalem" accessible to all the local faithful.
At the time of the construction of the churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia maintained regular contacts with Jerusalem and the Christian world of the East, particularly the Byzantine Empire. Lalibela wanted to create a sort of “new Jerusalem” at home because pilgrimages to the Holy Land were becoming too dangerous due to Muslim invasions in the region. This desire to symbolically reproduce Jerusalem was a major motivation for these underground constructions and their spiritual staging. Additionally, artisans from neighboring regions, such as Coptic Egypt, may have influenced some architectural techniques adopted on-site. Finally, geopolitical tensions, wars, and the difficulty of traveling abroad pushed Ethiopians to refocus on themselves, strengthening their local religious identity.
These monolithic churches are primarily important pilgrimage sites for Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia. In Lalibela, they are used daily for prayers and religious celebrations. Most locals regularly attend mass or receive blessings from priests. Many also believe that these underground structures symbolically represent a kind of new Jerusalem. Believers sometimes travel from very far away to visit these exceptional monuments and benefit from their sacred dimension. For many, it is a special place filled with intense spiritual energy where they can feel a true connection with the divine.
The site of Lalibela benefits from a soil primarily composed of volcanic tuff, a soft rock that is very easy to excavate and sculpt. This type of rock becomes harder when it comes into contact with air, ensuring the strength and durability of the monuments over time. The region is also rich in caves and natural cavities, making it much easier to carve downwards rather than to construct upwards in a traditional manner. Thanks to these handy geological resources and a motivated workforce, the builders were able to take on the incredible challenge of carving these structures directly into the ground.
According to legend, King Lalibela received help from angels who worked by his side every night, allowing these monumental edifices to be completed in just a few years instead of decades.
The Church of Saint George (Bete Giyorgis), the most famous and recognizable of the monolithic churches in Lalibela, presents a perfectly symmetrical cross shape when viewed from above. This symbolic design is only visible from the heights surrounding the church.
Some passages connecting the underground monolithic churches to Lalibela are so narrow that they require visitors to proceed one by one, an architectural design that enhances the feeling of humility and introspection.
The monolithic churches of Lalibela were completely carved directly from volcanic rock in a single piece, without any assembly or additional mortar. This unique architectural process often earns them the nickname 'the third Jerusalem.'
King Lalibela was both a political leader and a central spiritual figure in Ethiopia in the 12th century. He aimed to make Lalibela a 'New Jerusalem' for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, thereby enhancing his political prestige while addressing the spiritual needs of his people.
The builders primarily used simple tools such as chisels, iron scissors, hammers, and wooden levers. These instruments reflect the advanced craftsmanship of the time, combined with a deep understanding of the local geological properties.
Yes, they undergo a gradual natural erosion due to water and other environmental factors. Moreover, the influx of tourists increases this pressure. That is why various conservation and sustainable tourism management programs have been established, including in collaboration with UNESCO.
Yes, the monolithic churches of Lalibela are open to visitors, but it is advisable to explore them with a local guide to fully appreciate their historical and spiritual significance, and to respect local religious customs.
The city is home to 11 notable monolithic churches divided into two main groups and connected by a network of underground tunnels. All these churches carved directly into the rock are still used for religious ceremonies.
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