subject: A Town Of Rock-hewn Churches [print this page] Lalibela is an Ethiopian town that is not only among the most holy sites in the country but also in the whole world. There are eleven churches here, all of which have been entirely carved out of rock. Each of the churches was completely carved out of a block of granite, the roof being at the ground level.
The churches are what draw special attention to this religious town, which otherwise seems to be cut off from the rest of the world as the locals go about their simple lives away from many modern amenities.
Another special thing that is connected to the religious nature of the town is the large number of priests. While Lalibela has a population of just about 10,000 people, more than 1,000 of them are priests. Religion plays an important role in the town, and is observed in a variety of ways, among of which are singing, dancing and fasting.
The town was originally called Roha, but was renamed after King Lalibela, the 12th century ruler who commissioned the churches. He was part of the Zagwe dynasty that came to power around 1000 AD. He decided to build the churches to gain the support of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to counter the rising power of his rivals. He wanted to establish a New Jerusalem where people who were not able to make their pilgrimage to the holy land could turn to.
The process of building the churches was more of an excavation than construction. A wide trench was carved out to mark the corners of the churches before the process of carving the interior was started. The workers used only hammers and chisels, yet the biggest church reaches a height of 40 feet!
There are stories that angels would come to carry on with the work at night. A stone pillar in the Bet Maryam church, which is one of these unique churches, is where the king inscribed the secret involved in building the churches. However, only the priests are allowed to read the inscriptions, and the pillar is always covered with old cloths.
The king later left his throne and dedicated his life to religion. He became a hermit, spending his life in cave where he survived on vegetables and roots only. The churches are still in operation and have been from the time they were dedicated.
There are narrow trenches that descend to the churches, considering that it is the roofs that are on ground level. There are underground walkways and tunnels that connect the churches. You will notice the power of human hands that has made the interior pillars smooth over the years of supplication.
The fact that the churches are carved out of rocks does not mean that they are devoid of decorations. To the contrary, there are different types of moldings and some of them include paintings. Every church has a resident monk.
The most impressive of the churches is Bet Giorgis, which is carved to 40 feet. Lalibela's wife built the church in memory of her husband who died in 1220.
