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Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
In the early 13th century, Zagwe king Lalibela carved eleven monolithic churches at Roha (later renamed Lalibela), linked by underground passages, fo…
Timeline
- 1210–1215Roha (Lalibela) · EthiopiaKing Lalibela selected a basalt zone on the plateau, planned an eleven-church complex inspired by Jerusalem, and organized large numbers of stonemasons to carve downward from above, creating a monolithic design.
- 1215–1219Lalibela church complex · EthiopiaEleven churches, including Bete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George), were carved downward from the rock, fitted with niches, colonnades, underground tombs, and drainage systems, demonstrating superb stonework and sacred spatial design.
- 1215–1219Lalibela · EthiopiaAfter completion, the complex became a major pilgrimage destination of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; the city was renamed Lalibela in honor of the king's deeds, and the complex continued for centuries as a venue for worship and festivals.
Sources
- The Rock Churches of Lalibela — Jacques Mercier (2012)
- A History of Ethiopia — Harold G. Marcus (2002)