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Ethiopia:
Lalibela
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is a town in northern Ethiopia and considered one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Axum. As such it is a lively center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Unlike Axum, the population of Lalibela is very nearly 100% Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Lalibela was intended to be a New Jerusalem in response to the capture of Jerusalem by Muslims, and many of its historic buildings take their name and layout from buildings in Jerusalem.
Lalibela is known around the world for its monolithic churches which play an important part in the history of Ethiopia. Though the dating of the churches is not well established, most are thought to have been built during the reign of King Lalibela in the late 12th to early 13th centuries. There are 13 churches, assembled in four groups. These churches are now a UNESCO world heritage site.
In and around Lalibela
You can visit the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, however visits can only take place with one of the local guides. Further afield lies the monastery of Ashetan Maryam and the Yimrehane Kristos church, built in the Aksumite fashion, but within a cave.
quicklinks > request itinerary : other regions in Ethiopia : itineraries
Other regions in Ethiopia
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years.
Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which protects over 2,400 square kilometres of pristine plains, woodlands and bush land, is home to a multitude of unique flora and fauna species, as well as several endemic species of mammal.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes.
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635.
Harar is considered a Muslim holy city, and within its walls are no less then 90 mosques.
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities
The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia is home to a number of tribes, living life much like they have for centuries.
The Simiens, which includes Ras Deshen is Ethiopia's highest mountain, are in the north-western corner of the country.
quicklinks > request itinerary : other regions in Ethiopia : itineraries
Example itineraries in Lalibela
Historic Route and short Simiens Mountains Extension
Historic Route and Simien Mountains, visiting Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Simien Mountains. Prices from £1605 per person if there are two travelling. Price decreases as group size grows. Flights excluded - please ask for a fare quote.
Historic Route Ethiopia visiting Axum, Lalibela, Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Gondar. Prices from £1170 per person if there are two travelling. Price decreases as group size grows. Flights excluded - please ask for a fare quote.
