Lalibela General Tips by SirRichard

Favorite Thing: In spite of its touristic reputation, Lalibela is no more than a tiny village and there are very few streets (only 1 paved anyway). So don't expect big comfort, shops (only a few souvenir shops and 1-2 food shops), taxis and so. Most of the time you have to walk here and there along muddy tracks.


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Favorite Thing: The village is divided in 2 main areas: uphill and downhill.
There is a paved road that connects both and is the main (in fact the only) street here.
The churches are in the middle and the hotels are some up some down. So no matter where you stay, you will have to climb to go or to return.
The bus station is uphill, bur downhill are some nice cheap hotels and a couple of good shops. Anyway, walking from one corner to another is no more than 20 minutes (down) - 35 (up).


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Favorite Thing: Though most of the tourists come here just to visit the churches, a little walk around the village will show you interesting aspects of daily life in Lalibela. Streets are muddy ans narrow and most of the houses are made of adobe bricks.


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Favorite Thing: When you visit the churches you will notice that each one has at least 2 processional crosses, showed to tourists by the priest. They are said to be given by King Lalibela as a present for each of the churches he built. Some are gold, some silver, most metallic, but all beautifully carved.
The famous Lalibela Gold Cross is at Bet Medhane Alem, but is not always shown to the public, ask your guide to try.


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