This rural town is known around the world for its monolithic churches, which were built during the reign of Lalibela, king of Ethiopia. They cost 350 Birr to visit. There were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. There are 11 churches, assembled in three groups:
Licenced guides are available from the tourist office in Lalibela for 150 birr per day. These guides are well trained and have an excellent working knowledge of the churches and good relationships with the priests. Unlicensed guides will approach you all over the village, but they often know very little about the churches and are best avoided.
The churches are open from 9:00 to 13:00 hours, and then from 14:00 to 17:00 hours.
Farther a field lie the monastery of Ashetan Maryam and Yimrehane Kristos church possibly eleventh century, built in the Aksumite fashion but within a cave.
Contrary to certain spurious myths, the great rock-hewn churches of Lalibela were not built with the help of the Knights Templar; rather, they were produced solely by medieval Ethiopian civilization. However, there is controversy as to when the churches were constructed. Some scholars believe that the churches were built well before Lalibela and that Lalibela simply named them after himself.
