Morning we will catch the flight to Lalibela, a striking
town set at over 2,500m in wild, craggy mountains. Here we see the
extraordinary 12th - and 13th century rock churches carved below ground level
and connected by a maze of subterranean passages. Each of the churches is
unique and intricately carved. Wander through the northern and southern
clusters and visit the most famous of the rock-hewn churches, Bete Giyorgis, the house
of St. George. The 1st group churches which are included Bete MedhaniAlem (Chapel of
Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bete Mariyam (Chapel of Mary):
three aisled with mural
paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the
world according to the “Gedil” (act) of saintly king. Further visit of Bete Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bete Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and
finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bete Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of
King Lalibela are also
because it has the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity). In the Afternoon visit of
the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely; Bete Gabriel and
Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and
the Bete Aba Libanos (Said built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskel Kibra and
visit the Bete Giyorgis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George.
Overnight
Mountain View or similar standard