Historical & Cultural Tours
Lalibela Historical Tour
Three days among the rock-hewn churches and the monasteries around them.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Region
- Lalibela
- Starts
- Addis Ababa
Overview
The churches at Lalibela were not built up from the ground but cut down into it — carved out of solid volcanic rock, roof first. Eleven of them remain in use, and they are working churches rather than monuments, which is what makes visiting them different from visiting a ruin. Three days allows for the main cluster of churches and for the monasteries in the hills outside town, which most short visits miss.
Highlights
- The eleven rock-hewn churches, still in daily use
- Bete Giyorgis, cut in the shape of a cross
- Asheten Maryam, in the hills above the town
- Yemrehanna Kristos, built inside a cave
- Na'akuto La'ab, under a rock overhang
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Lalibela, the rock-hewn churches
A short flight north from Addis Ababa, roughly an hour. The afternoon is spent in the main church complex, which needs unhurried time rather than a quick circuit.
Day 2
Asheten Maryam or Yemrehanna Kristos
Out of town to one or both of the hill monasteries. Asheten Maryam can be walked up to rather than driven, if you would rather earn the view. Yemrehanna Kristos is a very different thing — a built church, sheltered inside a cave.
Day 3
Na'akuto La'ab, return to Addis Ababa
Na'akuto La'ab sits under a rock overhang a short drive from town and holds old manuscripts and painted work. Fly back to Addis Ababa afterwards.
Who it suits
There is a fair amount of walking, some of it on uneven rock and steps, and the churches are connected by narrow passages and tunnels. Lalibela sits at altitude. Walking up to the hill monasteries is optional — they can be reached by vehicle.
Before you go
These are active places of worship. Shoes are removed before entering the churches, and modest dress is expected. Services are held early in the morning and visitors are sometimes present for them.
Common questions
- How much walking is involved?
- More than most people expect. The churches are linked by uneven rock paths, steps and tunnels, and the hill monasteries involve either a climb or a drive. Sturdy shoes make a real difference.
- Can Lalibela be combined with the rest of northern Ethiopia?
- Yes — our Northern Ethiopia Highlights itinerary includes Lalibela alongside Bahir Dar and Gondar. This tour is the shorter option if Lalibela is the part you care about.
Places visited
- Lalibela
- Asheten Maryam
- Yemrehanna Kristos
- Na'akuto La'ab
