Lalibela the most amazing historical place in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is one of the most interesting cities in Ethiopia, a city that surprises with its history and its incredible monuments «built» underground. It is the second holy city in Ethiopia after Axum, the religious capital of the country.
These 11 temples carved out of living rock are declared a World Heritage Site, which is not surprising, due to their unique architecture. Each of these monolithic structures are dramatically inserted into a mountainous landscape, sunk 40 to 50 meters into the ground and pierced with chiseled openings in the shape of a cross,
The most widespread hypothesis around the creation of these extraordinary places of worship is that they were carved under the orders of King Lalibela, Emperor of Ethiopia from the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century.
Every day around 5:30 am, these timeless and mind-blowing rock-hewn churches are invaded by hundreds of locals in their traditional clothes, singing along the way and creating a mystical, tourist-free atmosphere.
When to go?
It can be visited at any time of the year, even during the rainy season.
If you want to be present when they are celebrating traditional ceremonies, the best option is to visit Lalibela during mass on Sundays first thing in the morning.
Saturday is also a good option, since it is market day, a market that also includes a cattle section.
Therefore, the weekend is the best time of the week to travel to Lalibela.
Dare to descend into the underground world of Lalibela, to immerse yourself in the history of the African country. And not only experience the opportunity to contemplate the past, but to physically touch it, smell it and hear it.
