Church of Saint George, Lalibela

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are eleven churches that have been worked out to the year 1250 each as monoliths from the surrounding rock formation. They measure up to 800 square meters and can reach ten meters in height. The buildings are among the largest man- made ​​carved stone structures in the world. The churches still serve their original purpose and are visited by Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims.

The eleven churches are divided into three groups.

• The northern group: At the church Bet Medhane Alem is one, where the Lalibela Cross is housed. It is the largest monolithic church in the world. The church served the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Aksum as a template. This is connected to Bet Maryam, which is probably the oldest church in Lalibela; Bete Golgotha ​​, which is known for its art and the grave of King Lalibela, and with the Selassie Chapel and the grave of Adam.

• The Western Group: Bet Giyorgis, the most famous and best preserved church.

• The Eastern Group: Bet Amanuel, which probably was the former court chapel; Pray Merkorios, which probably was previously a prison; Bete Abba Libanus and Bete Gabriel - Rufael, which probably was the former Royal Palace and is connected to the holy bakery.

A little further away is the Ashetan Maryam Monastery and the Yimrehane Kristos Church, both are believed to date from the 11th century and are in Aksum style built, but do not have a basement.

Bete Giyorgis, top view

Drums in a church

Pray Medhane Alem