Lalibela Church in Ethiopia
The Lalibela Church, also known as Roha or Bet Medhane Alem, is a monolithic rock-cut church located in the town of Lalibela, Ethiopia. It is one of the eleven churches that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela.
History
The Lalibela Church was built during the reign of King Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty in the 12th century. According to legend, King Lalibela received a vision from God to build a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia after the capture of Jerusalem by Muslim forces in 1187. The construction of the church is said to have taken 24 years and was completed in 1241.
Architecture
The Lalibela Church is a monolithic structure, carved out of a single piece of rock. It is rectangular in shape and measures approximately 33 meters long, 23 meters wide, and 11 meters high. The church is divided into several sections, including a central nave, two aisles, and several chapels. The exterior walls of the church are decorated with intricate carvings and depictions of biblical scenes.
Significance
The Lalibela Church is considered one of the most significant religious sites in Ethiopia and is an important pilgrimage destination for members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The church is also an important example of medieval Ethiopian architecture and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.
Visiting Lalibela Church from Magnolia Hotel in Addis Ababa
The Magnolia Hotel is a luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is approximately 650 kilometers from Lalibela, which makes it a considerable distance to travel. However, there are several options for getting to Lalibela from Addis Ababa.
Visitors can take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can also opt for a road trip, which takes about 10-12 hours, depending on the road conditions.