Lalibela
HIstorical Context
In the 12th and early 13th century, King Lalibela ruled over Ethiopia. At the time of his reign, the Crusades, or holy wars, were being waged back and forth by Christians and Muslims. Their goal was to gain control of Jerusalem, which is considered to be the holiest city in the world. The large majority of Ethiopians were Christian, but because of the Crusades, they were unable to visit Jerusalem. As a result, Lalibela planned and executed the excavation of eleven churches in northern Ethiopia.
ABout Today, these churches are located in Lalibela, named after the king himself, and make this city one of the most sacred and famous places in the world. This city is well known because of these churches and is also very extraordinary. It is located in the countryside with few vehicles and no paved streets. It has just recently received electricity. Religion is most important here, and tourists will be able to tell due to the many singing and dancing priests(over 1,000), long fasts and church processions.
|
Churches of LAlibela
On this stop of the Ethiopian Express, tourists will have the chance to visit and examine these unique churches. They are unique in the way they were built; below ground level, carved out of a piece of granite and linked together by a system of tunnels. At first sight of each church, tourists will see the roofs of the churches. This is because the roofs are actually leveled with the ground. In each church, there are pillars for worship, moldings and beautiful paintings covering the walls. There are windows as well, which are very fragile and were also carved out. In addition to many different crosses, swastikas(Eastern Religious Symbol) and Islamic traceries can be seen too. Guests will feel welcomed and comforted by the resident monk at each church. Tourists will notice them at the doorway wearing a colorful robe and holding one of the church’s crosses. They’re also fine with posing for pictures, so take advantage and make this trip memorable.
Of the eleven churches, St. George’s, also known as Bet Giorgis, is the most famous and grand. This church was carved a bit farther than the rest of the churches, and was built after the death of Lalibela in memory of the great king.
The Ethiopian Express will provide a tour guide to help tourists navigate and get around. The trenches and steps leading down to them are a bit bumpy, so it is advised to wear shoes. Before entering each church, tourists must take their shoes off. After exiting the church, shoes will be found lined up with the others.
The Ethiopian Express will provide a tour guide to help tourists navigate and get around. The trenches and steps leading down to them are a bit bumpy, so it is advised to wear shoes. Before entering each church, tourists must take their shoes off. After exiting the church, shoes will be found lined up with the others.