Introduction

In this article we will briefly look at The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia.

History

The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilgrimage and devotion.

Maps and Location within Ethiopia

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, some 645 km from Addis Ababa, eleven medieval monolithic churches were carved out of rock. Their building is attributed to King Lalibela who set out to construct in the 12th century a ‘New Jerusalem’, after Muslim conquests halted Christian pilgrimages to the holy Land. Lalibela flourished after the decline of the Aksum Empire.

Groups of churches

To the north of the river Jordan:

• Biete Medhani Alem (House of the Saviour of the World)

• Biete Mariam (House of Mary)

• Biete Maskal (House of the Cross)

• Biete Denagel (House of Virgins)

• Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael)

To the north of the river Jordan:

• Biete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel)

• Biete Qeddus Mercoreus (House of St. Mercoreos)

• Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos)

• Biete Gabriel Raphael (House of Gabriel Raphael)

• Biete Lehem (House of Holy Bread)

The eleventh church, Biete Ghiorgis (House of St. George), is isolated from the others, but connected by a system of trenches. The churches were not constructed in a traditional way but rather were hewn from the living rock of monolithic blocks. These blocks were further chiselled out, forming doors, windows, columns, various floors, roofs etc. This gigantic work was further completed with an extensive system of drainage ditches, trenches and ceremonial passages, some with openings to hermit caves and catacombs.

1. Criterion I: All the eleven churches represent a unique artistic achievement, in their execution, size and the variety and boldness of their form.

2. Criterion II: The King of Lalibela set out to build a symbol of the holy land, when pilgrimages to it were rendered impossible by the historical situation.

3. Criterion III: The whole of Lalibela offers an exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia, including, next to the eleven churches, the extensive remains of traditional, two storey circular village houses with interior staircases and thatched roofs.

Integrity

The drainage ditches were filled up with earth for several centuries, before being cleared in the 20th century, and have been disrupted by seismic activity. This has resulted in a severe degradation of the monuments from water damage, and most of them are now considered to be in a critical condition.

Authenticity

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are still preserved in their natural settings. The association of the rock-hewn churches and the traditional vernacular circular houses, in the surrounding area, still demonstrate evidences of the ancient village layout. The original function of the site as a pilgrimage place still persists and provides evidence of the continuity of social practices. The intangible heritages associated with church practices are still preserved.