How many churches are in Lalibela?

Eleven monolithic churches, carved top-down from volcanic rock in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and listed by UNESCO in 1978.

What is the most famous church in Lalibela?

Bet Giyorgis, the Church of St. George, shaped like a cross and best seen from above.

Lalibela's Rock-Hewn Churches: A Guide

Q: When is the best time to visit Lalibela?

When it's safe, Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) in January, when priests in white carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant through the streets.

Lalibela is a living place of worship, where Ethiopian Orthodox priests have held services for around 800 years in churches carved entirely from rock.

Can you visit Lalibela right now? As of October 2026, the US State Department lists the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, as Do Not Travel, so check the advisory before you plan. When it's safe, the 11 monolithic churches are unforgettable, especially cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis, and Timkat in January is the most beautiful time to be there.

Key facts

Safety (as of October 2026): Ethiopia is Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Amhara, including Lalibela, is Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
What you'll see: 11 monolithic churches carved top-down in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, listed by UNESCO in 1978.
Best time: Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany) in January, when it's safe to travel.
Where to stay: Mezena Lodge near Lalibela, for highland views.

The churches

Tradition credits King Lalibela with commissioning 11 monolithic churches in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, carved top-down from the volcanic rock.

Two Ethiopian Orthodox clergy in white shawls walking a red rock path beside a green pool Photo: Volker Repke / Unsplash

The most famous, Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), is shaped like a cross and is best seen from above. Bet Medhane Alem is often called the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Golgotha is traditionally said to hold King Lalibela's tomb. The churches were listed by UNESCO in 1978.

Visitors sitting on the rock above cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis, sunk into the ground in Lalibela Photo: Volker Repke / Unsplash

As of October 2026, the US State Department rates Ethiopia Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), and the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela and the Simien Mountains, is Do Not Travel. Please check the current advisory before you book. We only plan routes that are safe at the time you travel.

Claire's Lalibela experience

Standing inside Bet Giyorgis and looking up at the Ethiopian sky, you understand why people call Lalibela the Eighth Wonder of the World. The builders carved DOWN into solid rock, leaving windows, pillars and drainage channels.

An Ethiopian Orthodox priest in a purple cross cap holding a prayer staff Photo: Erik Hathaway / Unsplash

When it's safe to travel, we love planning visits around Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany, in January), when priests in white carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant through the streets. It's one of the most beautiful religious celebrations anywhere.

For the rest of the country, read my Ethiopia luxury travel guide, and don't skip the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Witness Lalibela with Caviar in the Air: 800 years of sacred architecture, experienced in comfort.

6X Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist with 65+ countries visited across all 7 continents.