Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Near the small town of Lalibela are eleven medieval churches, all carved out of massive slabs of volcanic rock.
The churches were built in the 12th century at the behest of King Lalibela. He had a vision of a “New Jerusalem” for Christians who were prevented from making the pilgrimage to the Holy Land due to Muslim conquests in the region. Today it is still a popular pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians.
The most fascinating of the ancient churches is the House of St. George or Biete Ghiorgis. The 12th century “New Jerusalem” is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Lalibela has been a World Heritage Site since 1978.