Lalibela was the Ethiopian capital between the 10th to mid 13th century. Set at an altitude of 2630m in the Lasta Mountains, it is known for its two clusters of rock hewn churches, carved about 800 years ago out of solid stone below ground level. These churches must be one of the man made wonders of the world. These are just 13 of the 300 rock hewn churches throughout Ethiopia, but are the most spectacular. The roofs of the churches, some over 10 metres above their floor, are formed from the top layer of their founding rock, which was hollowed out around and within to form the churches themselves; each with supporting pillars and an interior suggesting that the structure was built up from its base, not chiseled out from above. The most famous of the Orthodox Lalibela churches is Bet Giyorgis, which stands discrete from the two main clusters of churches. It is also the only one that was chiseled out from above.

ACCOMMODATION: There are hotels, lodges and guest house around town for accommodation. (Sept-16).

HEALTHCARE:
The hospital contact added is for the Lalibela Hospital but there is also the Lalibela Medical centre which is a rural clinic for the community. (Sept-16).

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