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Bet Giyorgis (Saint George) rock-hewn church in Lalibela, Ethiopia.

Things to do in  Lalibela

The rest is history

Situated in the arid Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela draws in visitors interested in checking out the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a collection of 11 UNESCO–listed monoliths that date back to the Middle Ages. While touring these ancient churches is one of the primary things to do in Lalibela, it’s also a great place for shopping and dining, with good tourist infrastructure and easy access to Addis Ababa. If you get the chance, come during the annual Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) celebrations, when the city is at its most festive.

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When to visit

Although the weather in Lalibela is generally pleasant from October–March, the best time to visit is during the annual Timkat celebrations, which take place on January 19 (January 20 in leap years). Sometimes known as Ethiopian Epiphany, the festival honors Jesus' baptism through processions and a ritual reenactment. Just expect crowds and sold-out hotels. Note that the rainy season takes place from June–September.

Getting around

If you stay in the heart of Lalibela and do not mind long walks, you can easily explore the entire city and its churches on foot. However, you will need solid shoes for navigating dusty and uneven terrain. Tuk-tuks are also widely available and are easy to flag down from main tourist areas. Some Lalibela tours also include transportation by taxi.

Traveler tips

Lalibela is one of the best places in Ethiopia for souvenir shopping. Popular gift items such as Coptic crosses, netelas (Ethiopian shawls), and Orthodox icons are sold in small shops that line the main road in the town center and by vendors who set up in front of the northern group of the rock-hewn churches (near the main ticket office). Bring cash and be prepared for some light bargaining.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is the significance of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches?
A:

Lalibela's 11 rock-hewn churches date back to medieval times and are significant for their architecture and religious importance. They’re impressive because they were carved directly out of rock rather than constructed. The most famous of these is the Church of Saint George, which was carved downwards into the shape of a three-dimensional cross.

Q:Are guided tours available for the churches in Lalibela?
A:

Yes, guided tours are available for visiting the churches in Lalibela, and going with a guide adds a lot of context to your explorations. You can easily hire guides from the ticket office, but their experience and expertise levels can vary. A better option is to book a tour ahead of time.

Q:Is visiting Lalibela worth it?
A:

Yes, visiting Lalibela is worth it. It’s an incredibly important destination for fans of history, religion, and architecture, and its rock-hewn churches are among Ethiopia’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Direct flights from Addis Ababa make it possible to visit without having to deal with long car rides.

Q:How can I attend religious festivals in Lalibela?
A:

If you want to attend religious festivals such as Timkat in Lalibela, simply show up. For Timkat, processions take place on the main road that leads through town over the course of two days (the day before and the day of Timkat), and visitors are welcome to join in.

Q:How many days are ideal for exploring Lalibela?
A:

It's a good idea to give yourself two full days to explore Lalibela. This way, you'll have enough time to visit all the churches at a leisurely pace with time left over for shopping and people-watching. However, you can also visit on a day trip from Addis Ababa, depending on flight times.

Q:What is the best way to reach Lalibela from Addis Ababa?
A:

The best way to get to Lalibela from Addis Ababa is to fly to Lalibela Airport, about a 30-minute drive from the city. Ethiopian Airways, the country's national carrier, operates daily flights between the two cities throughout the year. Direct flights also operate between Lalibela and Gondar.

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