Biete Medhane Alem
Biete Medhane Alem
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
13 reviews
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8
Very good
4
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K72
Melbourne, Australia3,082 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Also known as the house of the saviour of the world. The largest of the Lalibela rock hewn churches. Has 72 pillars supporting it. Interesting church to view. Interior is large and spacious. Quite different to the other churches.
Apparently they have a 5kg gold cross, gifted by Haile Selassie, which is shown only on Sundays (due to having been stolen a few yrs ago then returned by the Belgium government ).
Take some time to look up and around at the fine carving and structure.
Apparently they have a 5kg gold cross, gifted by Haile Selassie, which is shown only on Sundays (due to having been stolen a few yrs ago then returned by the Belgium government ).
Take some time to look up and around at the fine carving and structure.
Written January 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kasia
19 contributions
Dec 2019
There is no other place on the earth that I visited which has such powerful energy and magical experience.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlynne P
Salt Lake City, UT754 contributions
Oct 2019
This is the largest rock hewn church in the world! It’s incredibly awe inspiring and to think that it’s been in constant use since it was built, over 800 years ago. The workmanship of the pillars, the carvings and the ceiling arches are amazing!
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haytham Abu Firas
Qatar20,603 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Resembling a massive Greek temple more than a traditional Ethiopian church, Bet Medhane Alem is impressive for its size and majesty. 33 meters length equivalent to the age of Jesus Christ. It was apart of our morning visit to the group of churches in Lalibela including Bete Maryam and Bete Gabriel-Rafael.
Written November 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shiraziwine
Shiraz, Iran1,550 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This church is one of the several churches of Lalibela Rock hewn churches complex,
It consist of several tall massive columns and some parts are restored. I rank this church as the second best church in that complex
It consist of several tall massive columns and some parts are restored. I rank this church as the second best church in that complex
Written September 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darbyoshaughnessy
Lake Village, AR148 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Biete Medhane Alem or House/Church of the Savior of the World is a huge pink stone structure that was built from the top down atop a rock cliff. The church is surrounded by tall rectangular pillars and has regular upper openings shaped like mushrooms and lower openings in the shape of a cross. All must remove their shoes before entering the carpet covered stone aisles. Inside on the left are three empty tombs, reminiscent of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A priest inside explains the treasures, including beautiful if faded murals and carved columns. Inside is the Lalibela gold cross. It's a processional cross in that it can be fitted atop a pole and carried aloft, or it can be hand-held such that the priest can bless people with it. The lighting is such that it's difficult to take pictures because of the glare.
Written June 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lakeMIbeachbum
Cape Coral, FL165 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We were very fortunate to view this area and many churches on a Sunday morning. We planned it for just about 8:30 to 9 o'clock. The service would be ending and the pilgrims would all be leaving the area. It is a sight to behold. They are all dressed in their best clothing - the colors and hundreds of people make for a great photo. We will return on a Sunday again.
Written December 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles E
Cape Town, South Africa32 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I was taken there twice as an added bonus on my tour of Lalibela. Once on Saturday to see the place when much quieter, but again on Sunday morning to attend morning mass and share in with the locals. I even got to dress in a white robe and be blessed by the huge golden cross. Well recommended.
Written September 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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