A weekend in Lalibela

Lalibela

Late afternoon flight to what some have called the “Black Jerusalem” or “the second Jerusalem.” This monastic city in the heights of the former province of Lasta remains the holy place and the most important pilgrimage center where the millennial Orthodox traditions of Ethiopian Christians crystallize.

Overnight at Sora Lodge

Lalibela

Visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela is to experience a journey through time. Formerly called Roha, it remains attached to the legendary personality of King Lalibela, canonized by the Ethiopian Church, who had this breathtaking architectural ensemble of eleven buildings constructed after his conversion to Christianity. With the pilgrimage route to Jerusalem made extremely dangerous due to the expansion of Islam, the king decided to build a new celestial city here. This ensemble of eleven churches built from the 11th century constitutes an unparalleled feat of engineering and architecture. The churches of Lalibela were carved from solid volcanic rock on which they rest and impress as much for their size as for their sober power, enhanced by the subtlety of goldsmith-like interior work. Lalibela’s fame extends far beyond borders to the point that this masterpiece of inventiveness, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often called the eighth wonder of the world.

Overnight at Sora Lodge

Lalibela

The mountainous surroundings of Lalibela can be the subject of a hike. The religion contains sacred places such as the church of Nakuto Lab, nephew of Lalibela and last ruler of the Zagwe dynasty, built in a cave, whose legend tells that he prayed lying on swords and ascended to heaven body and soul. Paintings recount his pursuit of the bandit Tsarakems, who pushed the population to believe in other gods and who would eventually become an evangelizer after receiving the king’s forgiveness. Inside the church, basins collect the holy waters that flow from the Ashetan Mariam church and which the faithful consume for their healing virtues and their power to chase away evil spirits.

Late afternoon flight to Addis Ababa