Location: Lalibela
Top Things to do in Lalibela
Top Restaurants in Lalibela
- 1. Blue Lal Hotel Restaurant
- 2. Jerusalem Guest House
- 3. John Cafeteria & Lalibela Restaurant
- 4. Roha Hotel Restaurant
- 5. Seven Olives Hotel Restaurant
- 6. Unique Restaurant
- 7. Ben Abeba
- 8. Mountain View Hotel Bar & Restaurant
- 9. Maribela Hotel, Restaurant & Lounge
- 10. Old Abyssinia Lodge and Restaurant
Top 5 Historic Sites in Lalibela, Amhara Region
Lalibela (Amharic: ላሊበላ) is a town in Amhara Region, northern Ethiopia famous for monolithic rock-cut churches. The whole of Lalibela offers an exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and a center of pilgrimage. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the fourth century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. The churches themselves date from the seventh to thirteenth centuries, and are traditionally dated to the reign of the Zagwe dynasty king Gebre Mesqel Lalibela (r. ca. 1181–1221 AD).
Restaurants in Lalibela
1. Church of St. George
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 387 reviews
the church of st George is a brilliant feats of engineering and architecture and are often referred as the "Eighth wonder of the world".
Reviewed By frankj614 - Columbus, United States
Because it stands alone, because you can see the entire top, because of its iconic shape...all those reasons, and more, make St. George the must-see of Lalibela's rock churches. Of course, they are all must-sees, but this one is the best!
2. Bilbala St. George Rock Hewn Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Marikouette
It was fantastic to discover Lalibela with the help of Jack from Young Lalibela Trekking Association. The city and the mountains around are truly fantastic. And everything is easy with them.
3. Biete Medhane Alem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By darbyoshaughnessy - Lake Village, United States
Biete Medhane Alem or House/Church of the Savior of the World is a huge pink stone structure that was built from the top down atop a rock cliff. The church is surrounded by tall rectangular pillars and has regular upper openings shaped like mushrooms and lower openings in the shape of a cross. All must remove their shoes before entering the carpet covered stone aisles. Inside on the left are three empty tombs, reminiscent of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A priest inside explains the treasures, including beautiful if faded murals and carved columns. Inside is the Lalibela gold cross. It's a processional cross in that it can be fitted atop a pole and carried aloft, or it can be hand-held such that the priest can bless people with it. The lighting is such that it's difficult to take pictures because of the glare.
4. Lalibela - Rock-Hewn Churches
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By A-GlobalTraveler - Boston, United States
I really enjoyed the churches of Lalibela and while I usually self-guilde, I used Yohannes Misgan [email protected] or +251 (93) 346 7103 (also on WhatsApp) as a guide there based on the strong recommendation by some other tourists I met in Addis Ababa. I was glad I did and over 2 days found him to be extremely helpful, well-informed, and friendly. It was a much richer experience than just reading a guide book and I would definitely recommend him for anyone visiting Lalibela. He has an easy-going style and is great at casual conversation in addition to the official guide duties. He was also extremely considerate and very happy to take photos of me at various locations, and even suggested many of the spots and angles to get some terrific pictures.
5. Rock-Hewn Churches
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Cartagena2019 - Cartagena, Colombia
There are 13 churches, some monolithic, and some are carved in the rock. They all belong to the period between 10 and 13th century when Lalibela was the second capital of imperial Ethiopia. They also have a wide array of paintings and sculptures and your guide will probably convince the priest to show you the treasures. A donation to the church is not compulsory but it is recommended. I was fortunate to witness a ceremony to Mary, accompanied by an array of percussions and dancing. Unforgeable sight!
