Day Trips: Churches & Monasteries
Many fascinating churches and monasteries lie in the stunning countryside within a day’s striking distance of Lalibela. They vary greatly in style, design and age and offer a different experience from the churches in town. Tucked away and still absent from most modern maps, many require a guide to find them. The journey, whether by foot, mule or vehicle, to these sites is rewarding. If you didn’t arrive in Lalibela with a 4WD and driver, ask your hotel or guide about renting one.
Yemrehanna Kristos
Despite Yemrehanna Kristos being one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late-Aksumite buildings, few people reward themselves with a visit. And a reward it is. The church is
Arbatu Ensessa
On the way to Yemrehanna Kristos, around 35km from Lalibela, is this three-quarter monolith church in a wild, overgrown but rather beautiful setting. It’s thought
Bilbila Chirkos
Near Arbatu Ensessa, 41km off the Yemrehanna Kristos road, this is an interesting three-quarter monolith known particularly for its ancient frescoes. Attributed to King Kaleb,
Ashetan Maryam
Top choice monastery in Lalibela Set at 3150m, atop Abune Yosef mountain, is this monastery where the local priests believe they’re ‘closer to heaven and God’, and
Na’akuto La‘ab
Lying 7km from Lalibela, just off the airport road, is this simple but attractive church (apart from the outer security wall). It’s attributed to King
Geneta Maryam
Geneta Maryam is thought to have been built around 1270 by Yekuno Amlak, who restored the Solomonic line. With its rectangular shape and 20 massive