"Ethiopia's top attraction" a Lalibela Travel Page by SirRichard

Lalibela is probably Ethiopia's top tourist attraction. In this tiny rural village north of Ethiopia you can find a group of astonishing rock-hewn churches, marvellous architectural jewls made out of a single block of rock. There are 13-14 churches built by King Lalibela in the 16th century and it really deserves a visit as it is a unique place in the world. Some people compare it with Jordania's Petra... imagine that and add a gorgeous green landscape around!

But Lalibela is not just a stone facade, as Petra. All the churches are in use and is an important pilgrimage center in the region. Ethiopia is an orthodox country (surrounded by muslim African neighbours), so you can see many pilgrims attend masses ans other religious services, and this makes the visit even more interesting I think.

But is not only architecture in stone. Inside those churches you can admire incredible paintings on the wall, marvellous metal crosses (some are silver or gold) and priests like if you were in the 16th century, living treasures of an ancient civilization.