Bet Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos) and Bet Leham

Built around a cave in a vertical rock face, the roof is still connected to the original rock, while the tunnels separate the sides and back. Legend credits Mesekel Kibre, Lalibela’s wife, with the construction, possibly assisted by angels. A 50 metre tunnel links Libanos to the smaller Bet Leham, more of a monastic cell than a church, but it doesn’t take much to imagine a King enjoying its privacy in moments of prayer.

Leave a Comment