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Lalibela is a highland town in the Amhara Region, about 645 km north of Addis Ababa. In the late 12th and 13th centuries King Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty had eleven churches cut down into red volcanic tuff. They are still working churches.

Bete Giyorgis, the Greek-cross church in its own pit, is the one most visitors remember. The northern group (Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam and others) and the southeastern group are joined by trenches and tunnels. A licensed local guide is required for the main cluster. Shoes come off at each door.

UNESCO listed the churches in 1978. Timkat in January fills the town. Plan two nights: one afternoon for Bete Giyorgis and the northern group, the next morning for the southeastern churches. Lalibela Airport is a short drive from the churches. Hotels sit in town, not at the airport. Book the room on Zemen Booking, then add a guide through a tour company.