Bet Medhane Alem entrance door. This church, built in the 12th century, is still in use for worship
Bet Medhane Alem - These columns and arches have been carved out of solid rock
Church service in Bet Medhane Alem
Bet Medhane Alem - These columns and arches have been carved out of solid rock. There are 36 pillars inside the church.
Bet Medhane Alem – interior
Bet Medhane Alem – interior showing two windows
Bet Medhane Alem – interior showing two windows
Bet Maryam – Believed to be the first church built in Lalibela
Pilgrims outside Bet Maryam
Bet Maryam - 13m high with a second story used as storerooms
Bet Medhane Alem – supported by 36 pillars on the outside and 36 pillars inside. It covers an area almost 800 meters square and is the largest monolithic…
These monolithic churches and walkways have been carved down into the rock. This photo shows the original surface level and how deep the excavations are.
A swastika window, one of many window designs used on Bet Maryam
Bell tower and west entrance into the Northwest cluster of churches in Lalibela
View of the old town from the west entrance into the Northwest cluster of churches in Lalibela
Ceiling paintings - Bet Maryam
Ceiling paintings - Bet Maryam. The cross inside the Star of David was referred to as both the Cross of Lalibela and Cross of the Knights Templar.
One of many cave walkways between the churches
These columns and arches have been carved out of solid rock.
11.5m (37 feet) high