The area around Lalibela is renowned for its unique and ancient rock-hewn and above-ground churches, many of which were previously accessible only by foot. Improvements in transportation now make several of these architectural and spiritual treasures more accessible to visitors. Below are some notable churches in the region:
Nakutelab
Located 6 km southeast of Lalibela, Nakutelab is a monastery within a natural cave. A stone stairway leads to its well-built entrance of carved stone. The site is accessible by a 1-hour walk or a 30-minute drive from Lalibela.
Ashetan Maryam (Saint Mary)
Ashetan Maryam is perched atop a hill 8 km east of Lalibela. The climb to this rock-hewn church is steep, rising 2000 feet, and can be undertaken on foot or mule. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and a road for vehicles is under construction.
Gennata Maryam (The Paradise of Mary)
Gennata Maryam, 22 km from Lalibela, is a true monolithic rock church set on a high plinth. Unlike Lalibela’s hidden churches, this one is prominent, surrounded by greenery. Its exterior features fine reliefs of Latin crosses, while the interior displays rich, archaic paintings dating to the 13th century. A visit requires a 4-hour walk or a 1-hour drive from Lalibela.
Makina Medhane Alem (Redeemer of the World in Makina)
Situated east of Lalibela on the slopes of Makina, this built cave church reflects Axumite-style architecture. Its walls combine polished rubble and dressed blocks of reddish tuff, and the interior is richly decorated with geometric and figurative motifs. Access involves a 7-hour walk from Lalibela or a 3-hour walk from Gennata Maryam.
Churches Near Bilbala Village
Bilbala, 30 km north of Lalibela, offers a circuit of five notable churches.
- Yemrehanna Kristos: This remarkable built cave church features intricate wood and marble construction, rich geometric decorations, and a domed sanctuary ceiling. It is located 42 km northeast of Lalibela (5-hour walk or 2-hour drive).
- Arbatu Entzessa (The Four Animals): Dedicated to the Four Evangelists, this tiny monolithic church features Axumite-style carvings and old ornaments. It lies southwest of Yemrehanna Kristos (5-hour walk or 2-hour drive).
- Bilbala Giorgis (St. George): Known for its facade and a surrounding tunnel, this semi-monolithic church features decorations linked to King Kaleb of the 5th–6th century. Holy bees are said to produce healing honey here (7-hour walk or 1.5-hour drive).
- Bilbala Chirkos: Located northwest of Lalibela, this semi-monolithic church features murals of saints and Evangelists. It resembles the facade of Bet Gabriel-Rufa’el in Lalibela (5-hour walk or 2-hour drive).
- Sarsana Mika’el (St. Michael): This tiny monolithic church lies in a grove of euphorbia trees. It features a deep trench and Axumite-style influences. Nearby, legends speak of a stone that punishes sinners and a snake that has devoured wrongdoers (6-hour walk or 3-hour drive).
These surrounding churches offer insight into Ethiopia’s ancient architectural achievements and spiritual traditions, making them invaluable to visitors exploring the Lalibela region.
