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Chris Willis | profile | all galleries >> Ethiopia's Northern Historical Circuit, Dec. 2006 >> Lalibela tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Bahir Dar | Gondar | Axum | Lalibela | Addis Ababa

Lalibela

Our final stop on the Ethiopian Northern Historical Loop was Lalibela, home of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches, built in the 12th Century. Local legend has it that the churches were built with the assistance of angels. However they were built, they are certainly spectacular.
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IMG_4308.JPG A priest displays the ancient crosses of Bet Giorgis Church

A priest displays the ancient crosses of Bet Giorgis Church

 The remains of hermits in a wall nook near Bet Giorgis

The remains of hermits in a wall nook near Bet Giorgis

 A priest at the entrance to Bet Giorgis

A priest at the entrance to Bet Giorgis
Carved window, Bet Giorgis

Carved window, Bet Giorgis

 Residences in Lalibela

Residences in Lalibela

 Bet Gebriel-Rafael in the southeastern cluster of churches in Lalibela

Bet Gebriel-Rafael in the southeastern cluster of churches in Lalibela

 A priest shows us the crosses at Bet Gebriel-Rafael

A priest shows us the crosses at Bet Gebriel-Rafael
Bet Gebriel-Rafael. This church is thought to date back to the 7th or 8th century, and may originally have been a secular building (like a palace) rather than a church.

Bet Gebriel-Rafael. This church is thought to date back to the 7th or 8th century, and may originally have been a secular building (like a palace) rather than a church.

 Trenches around the southeastern cluster of churches

Trenches around the southeastern cluster of churches

 A painting in Bet Mercurios, showing Saint Mercurios killing the evil King Oleonus.

A painting in Bet Mercurios, showing Saint Mercurios killing the evil King Oleonus.

 Bet Emanuel

Bet Emanuel
Entrance of Bet Emanuel

Entrance of Bet Emanuel

 IMG_4579.JPG We were told that the holes in the exterior of Bet Emanuel were the result of fighting during the revlution that overthrew the Derg communist regime.

We were told that the holes in the exterior of Bet Emanuel were the result of fighting during the revlution that overthrew the Derg communist regime.

 Trench in the southeastern cluster of churches

Trench in the southeastern cluster of churches
Another priest shows us the traditional crosses under his care

Another priest shows us the traditional crosses under his care

 Bet Abba Libanos

Bet Abba Libanos

 IMG_4721.JPG The sun streams through clouds over Lalibela

The sun streams through clouds over Lalibela
IMG_4775.JPG A road near Lalibela being traversed by people carrying items to market

A road near Lalibela being traversed by people carrying items to market

 IMG_4856.JPG A final look at the towering mountain that is the home of Asheton Maryam

A final look at the towering mountain that is the home of Asheton Maryam
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zola 28-Aug-2009 19:56
yes!i know the place where the attractive picture taken, i always give thanks for the photographer.
Tricia Collins 14-Jan-2008 01:34
Your photos were much better than mine-I went to Mekele, Ethiopia this past June for two weeks for humantarian work. It is too bad that you never really got to set out on your own. The kids who you said bothered you by begging, weren't really a problem with us. They quickly got used to us being there and loved having their photos taken,they wanted to hold hands or just walk with us. We took one day off to go to the country to see the rock-hewn churches and the "guides" of kids we had following us simply got underfoot. They actually fought over our empty water bottles. That was just plain sad. There were no tourists in Mekele. Our hotel was spartan by US standards ($18 USD per day) but quite nice with a view of the center of the city. The shower was within the bathroom next to the toilet with no curtain, but quite welcomed after a long day working and walking back and forth. The breakfast was included and toast and espresso (Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee afterall) with juice. The service was very good and we made friends with some. You say that you are picky with food. The injera is fine the first few times, but does get "old" but shiro is great and the rice dishes are good. The bhuna or coffee ceremony is not to be missed. Drinking three cups is the tradition but I only made the third cup once. In a private home popcorn accompanied the coffee with little cookies. I loved Ethiopia-the people and the culture and hope to return.
Guest 03-Dec-2007 00:53
Thank you for allowing me the privilege to see the "Rocks" that cry out to the glory of God as the Holy Scriptures proclaimed. From the beginning, God. . . ., Elizabeth
Christopher 16-Feb-2007 08:26
Fascinating. Did the monks show you a 14th century solid silver w/gold leaf drum? Magnificant !!! I only have a picture of it, but need to know if it still exists. I am a collector of drums from all cultures and eras and need to communicate with the monks about borrowing it for a museum exhibition. Do you have any way for me to get in touch with them? please email me at worldbeat@att.net
wes 07-Feb-2007 13:16
great pictures!
MONK 29-Jan-2007 20:14
You both did such an amazing job with photography!!
Ena 28-Jan-2007 19:57
Fotos maravillosas, colores, vestimentas, casas, paisajes, decoraciones en las iglesias, muy hermosas. Un gran trabajo fotografico lleno de colorido e interes. Felicitaciones a los dos.
Guest 28-Jan-2007 19:54
These are wonderful, great color of the robes, very interesnting buildings and contry side. Well done!
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