Cities and regions／Ethiopia
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Lalibela

Lalibela, in Amhara, is home to eleven medieval churches carved into rock and remains a centre of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrimage. Based on the guidance cited for 20 September 2026, tourists should postpone travel.

Biete Giyorgis rock-hewn church in Lalibela.
Photo by Bernard Gagnon Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Its monolithic churches were excavated directly into the rock.
  • Courtyards, passageways and drainage channels link the church groups.
  • The site remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage.
Carved courtyard and trenches at Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches.
Photo by Andrija12345678 Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Traditional town setting and circular houses near Lalibela.
Photo by Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel) Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Lalibela

Guides to this place

1 article

Lalibela

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Biete Giyorgis rock-hewn church in Lalibela.

Lalibela and why to postpone a trip to Amhara

Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches remain a major place of worship and living heritage. As of 20 September 2026, advisories recommend not travelling to Amhara.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 29/09/2026