Some of the site seeing around Lalibela
Some of the churches that are found in the surrounding area of the beautiful outstanding monolithic churches of king Lalibela which were excavated from one rock, here are some of the surrounding churches.
Find your tour
Abune Yousef
1.1. Abune Yossef
The Abune Yossef massif (12o12’ N, 39o12’ E) is located north of the city of Lalibela in the forests and Afro-alpine grasslands are represented. The massif, with a maximum altitude of 4,284m, is located in the furthest reaches of the region known as the Western plateau. The Abune Yossef massif shows a complex mosaic of ecosystems, where bushlands, woodlands, montane dry woodlands, montane dry forests, and Afro-alpine grasslands are represented.
Among the historical landmarks on this mountain is the Church of Gennette Maryam, a monolithic church, which was excavated during the reign of Yekuno Amlak. Also notable are four free-standing churches built inside caves in the mountain, the oldest and most famous of which is Yemrehana Kristos Church, built by the Zagwe king of the same name.
The other three churches are Emakina Medhane Alem (which was most likely built by Yekuno Amlak in the late 13th century), Lidetta Maryam, and Zammadu Maryam (most likely built in the 15th century). The churches of Lalibela lie in the Abune Yossef foothills. Lying at Lasta, Semien Wollo Region, peaks, jagged cliffs, towering massifs, green jungles, and wild endemic animals offer unforgettable treasured memories.
The breathtaking savannah and dense forest landscape in this area are full of life and home to over 43 endemic mammals and over 200 birds. Some of the other wildlife available for up-close viewing include the Gelada Baboon, Leopards, Niyala, Monkeys, Bailey’s Shrews, side-striped and golden Jackals, Ethiopian Genets, African Civets, many different Mongooses, Hyenas,
African wildcats, Caracals, Aardvarks, Bush Pigs, Bush Duiker, Klipspringer, and Squirrels.
The built up cave churches of Yemrhana Krestos
1.2. The built-up cave churches of Yemrhane Kristos
Yemrhane Kristos is located northeast of Lalibela; the church was built in the 11th century in a large northeast-facing cave on the west side of mount Abune Yossef. The construction of the church is credited to Yemrehane Kristos. The building is notable for its resemblance to the ancient church on Debre Damo, with walls. According to Phillipson, it “shows a similar horizontal pattern of inset beams and projecting stonework”, with “wooden quoins, door-and
window-frames that are essentially Aksumite in style”. Munro-Hay believed that the church’s interior decorations make “Yemrehane Krestos the most elaborate of all known ancient Ethiopian churches.” Mural paintings high on the nave walls are considered the oldest surviving mural paintings in Ethiopia. The cave also contains a second structure north of the church, which
tradition describes as a palace or residence of Negus Yemrehane Kristos, but now serves as a residence and storage space for the local priests.
Indeed in there a large area at the back of the cave with numerous skeletons, several wrapped in reading mats. While preservation is generally poor, a few skulls retain their hair. Even though there is so much more site seeing from this area like old rock-hewn churches and a fantastic landscape with beautiful scenery.
Asheten Maryam Monastery
1.3. Asheten Maryam Monastery
Asheten Maryam is located in the east part of Lalibela churches. Built on a ridge at a 3100-meter altitude, 8 km from Lalibela, lays this 13th -century monastery, offering excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
The steep road to the monastery, which looks like a twisted rope hugged to the wall, takes about four hours by mule and is a rewarding experience. Inside the monastery, you find the 13th- century processional crosses of King Nakuto le Ab, who ruled in Ethiopia for 40 years just after King Lalibela.
Ethiopia Historical & Tribe Cultural complete tour journey
Ethiopia's immense cultural, historical, festivals, paleontological and natural wealth are reflected in its registered of Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
Trekking in the Simien mountain national park
Simien Mountains National Park is in northern Ethiopia. Its rugged terrain includes escarpments, deep valleys and a high plateau, home
Bale Mountain & Tribes Tours
Bale mountain national park is located 400km southeast of Addis Ababa; Bale Mountains National Park contains a spectacularly diverse landscape.
Omo Valley: Cultures of Southern Ethiopia
The Seven lakes of the Rift valley where you can explore more than 56 ethnic groups’ lives in one place,