Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Axum and is a center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Lalibela was intended to be a New Jerusalem in response to the capture of Jersalem by Muslims, and many of its historic buildings take their name and layout from buildings in Jerusalem.

Located in theSemien Wollo Zone of the Amhara ethinic division, at 2,500 meters above sea level, Lalibela has a latitude and longitude of 12°02′N 39°02′E Coordinates: 12°02′N 39°02′E.


Lalibela, a medieval settlement in the Last area of Wallo, lies at the centre of an extensive complex of rock-hewn churches. Lalibela has 11 remarkable rock-hewn monolithic churches, believed to have been built by King Lalibela in the late 12th or early 13th Century.

These remarkable structures are carved, inside and out, from a solid rock, and are considered among the wonders of the world. Each building is architecturally unique but each reflects beautifully executed craftsmanship, and several are decorated with fascinating paintings. These astonishing edifices remain places of living worship to this day.