photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Chris Willis | profile | all galleries >> Ethiopia's Northern Historical Circuit, Dec. 2006 >> Lalibela tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Bahir Dar | Gondar | Axum | Lalibela | Addis Ababa

Lalibela

Our final stop on the Ethiopian Northern Historical Loop was Lalibela, home of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches, built in the 12th Century. Local legend has it that the churches were built with the assistance of angels. However they were built, they are certainly spectacular.
previous pagepages 1 2 3 ALL next page
The scenery around Lalibela is dramatic.

The scenery around Lalibela is dramatic.

 This is the tallest mountain in the area, and home to Asheton Maryam Monestary.

This is the tallest mountain in the area, and home to Asheton Maryam Monestary.

 IMG_3189.JPG IMG_3216 copy.JPG
IMG_3223.JPG The roads near Lalibela carry more pedstrians and animals than automobiles.

The roads near Lalibela carry more pedstrians and animals than automobiles.

 Bet Medhane Alem Church, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world.

Bet Medhane Alem Church, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world.

 Bet Medhane Alem

Bet Medhane Alem
A priest reads in a nook carved into the stone wall surrounding the churches.

A priest reads in a nook carved into the stone wall surrounding the churches.

 Bet Medhane Alem. Note upper windows with design reminiscent of the top of the pre-Christian Ezana Stela in Axum.

Bet Medhane Alem. Note upper windows with design reminiscent of the top of the pre-Christian Ezana Stela in Axum.

 IMG_3382.JPG Interior of Bet Medhane Alem

Interior of Bet Medhane Alem
IMG_3437.JPG Entrance to Bet Maryam Church

Entrance to Bet Maryam Church

 Wall surrounding some of the northwestern cluster of churches in Lalibela

Wall surrounding some of the northwestern cluster of churches in Lalibela

 Intricate paintings on the ceiling of Bet Maryam Church

Intricate paintings on the ceiling of Bet Maryam Church
IMG_3542.JPG A priest shows off a traditional cross. The sunglasses, we later learned, are worn because of camera flashes.

A priest shows off a traditional cross. The sunglasses, we later learned, are worn because of camera flashes.

 Intricate window designs

Intricate window designs

 All of the churches contain paintings within.

All of the churches contain paintings within.
Carving of an Ethiopian saint inside Bet Golgotha. This is the only church in Lalibela in which women are not permitted.

Carving of an Ethiopian saint inside Bet Golgotha. This is the only church in Lalibela in which women are not permitted.

 IMG_3642.JPG A beautiful cross-shaped window

A beautiful cross-shaped window

 IMG_3671.JPG
previous pagepages 1 2 3 ALL next page

comment | share
zola 28-Aug-2009 19:56
yes!i know the place where the attractive picture taken, i always give thanks for the photographer.
Tricia Collins 14-Jan-2008 01:34
Your photos were much better than mine-I went to Mekele, Ethiopia this past June for two weeks for humantarian work. It is too bad that you never really got to set out on your own. The kids who you said bothered you by begging, weren't really a problem with us. They quickly got used to us being there and loved having their photos taken,they wanted to hold hands or just walk with us. We took one day off to go to the country to see the rock-hewn churches and the "guides" of kids we had following us simply got underfoot. They actually fought over our empty water bottles. That was just plain sad. There were no tourists in Mekele. Our hotel was spartan by US standards ($18 USD per day) but quite nice with a view of the center of the city. The shower was within the bathroom next to the toilet with no curtain, but quite welcomed after a long day working and walking back and forth. The breakfast was included and toast and espresso (Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee afterall) with juice. The service was very good and we made friends with some. You say that you are picky with food. The injera is fine the first few times, but does get "old" but shiro is great and the rice dishes are good. The bhuna or coffee ceremony is not to be missed. Drinking three cups is the tradition but I only made the third cup once. In a private home popcorn accompanied the coffee with little cookies. I loved Ethiopia-the people and the culture and hope to return.
Guest 03-Dec-2007 00:53
Thank you for allowing me the privilege to see the "Rocks" that cry out to the glory of God as the Holy Scriptures proclaimed. From the beginning, God. . . ., Elizabeth
Christopher 16-Feb-2007 08:26
Fascinating. Did the monks show you a 14th century solid silver w/gold leaf drum? Magnificant !!! I only have a picture of it, but need to know if it still exists. I am a collector of drums from all cultures and eras and need to communicate with the monks about borrowing it for a museum exhibition. Do you have any way for me to get in touch with them? please email me at worldbeat@att.net
wes 07-Feb-2007 13:16
great pictures!
MONK 29-Jan-2007 20:14
You both did such an amazing job with photography!!
Ena 28-Jan-2007 19:57
Fotos maravillosas, colores, vestimentas, casas, paisajes, decoraciones en las iglesias, muy hermosas. Un gran trabajo fotografico lleno de colorido e interes. Felicitaciones a los dos.
Guest 28-Jan-2007 19:54
These are wonderful, great color of the robes, very interesnting buildings and contry side. Well done!
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
click on thumbnails for full image