Around Lalibela

November 3, 2013 — Ethiopia

Locate on the map

The town of Lalibela

Old village of Lalibela.

Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches, but it is also a very interesting place by itself.

The market is one of the nicest we have seen and attracts hundreds of people from the region. Around Lalibela, there are wonderful treks to do and also other magnificent churches to visit.

Saint-Georges Church.

As you can see on the photo, the surrounding countryside is very scenic.

Old village of Lalibela with its traditional houses.

Pilgrims going to the church.

Traditional old house.

Market day

Market day in Lalibela.

On Saturday, the town of Lalibela becomes alive with a huge market that attracts hundreds of people from the region.

At this market, it is possible to buy everything; fruits, vegetables, grains, salt, clothes, animals...

A big crowd.

Selling khat.

Spices of all sorts.

'Car' parking.

It is possible to buy a cow or a goat...

Trek to Mount Ashetan

The trail.

The climb to Ashetan Maryam Church at the foot of Mount Ashetan is a very nice trek near Lalibela.

The trek in itself is worth the effort and in addition, one can visit a church containing some very nice treasures. The priest of this place is very eager to show the treasures of its church.

Pilgrims on the trail.

Priest's house?

The Ahetan Maryam Church doesn't have a spectacular architecture like those in town, but the place and the treasures that it contains make it a worthwhile excursion.

The church shelters books and very nice crosses dating from a few centuries.

Old parchment with religious scenes.

Passage toward the valley.

Meeting some locals.

The church stands on a rock outcrop and offers outstanding panoramas.

The trail going to the church.

Yemrehanna Kristos Church

This church, located 20 km from Lalibela, is one of the nicest in the area. It has the unique feature of being built inside a cavern.

The church dates from the 12th century and is attributed to King Yemrehanna Kristos, the predecessor of King Lalibela. The wooden structure is finely worked on the outside as well as the inside.