Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A labyrinth of tunnels with grottoes and galleries connects 11 impressive churches built under King Lalibela out of red volcanic rock.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- DrewRome, Italy7 contributionsSimply amazing place and our Eyosi’s guiding was amazing!!Lalibela is simply amazing! We stayed 2 nights to see the rock hewn church which seated on three groups and we also hike up to Asheton which great view to see the town of Lalibela. We are happy we got to see it. We were told to visit the rock hewn churches of Tigray to minimize the cost but we decided to visit Lalibela due to short time we had left after the simien mountains hike. Our guide Eyosi was very knowledgeable and he knows a lot about his country. You can reach Eyosi directly via +251912658734 WhatsAppWe would like to thank you for taking your precious time for these great recommendations for other clients regarding your overall experience in Ethiopia. It is always wonderful to read that we were able to meet your expectations and our teams are always dedicated to providing you a best service. We look forward to show you the other parts of our countryWritten December 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2024
- EdwardNew York City, New York2 contributionsVery Beautiful place to see the Ethiopian orthodox reflections.Lalibela is a very Beautiful rock hen churches I have ever visit in my life. I normally more interested to visit nature with wildlife and hiking in the mountains. But I have heard too many reputations about this church. And I have booked my trip for Simien Mountains trekking with Simien tour Eyosi and decided lalibela to be included. I haven’t regret about my decision especially the hike up Asheton where you will have spectacular view and monastery on the top of the mountains. We have been organized the two destinations The Simien Mountains and Lalibela with Eyosiyas. It was safe to travel in both destinations but I still recommend you need to contact in advance about security issues. His contact:+251912658734 ; simienguide1229@gmail.comWe would like to thank you for taking your precious time for these great recommendations for other clients regarding your overall experience in Ethiopia. It is always wonderful to read that we were able to meet your expectations and our teams are always dedicated to providing you a best service. We look forward to show you the other parts of our countryWritten December 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2024
- Bruno ZeymerBelo Horizonte, MG29 contributionsEphrem tour guideEphrem was a good tour guide in Lalinela, he knows all about its his history all about the small details of each church. He is a funny guy. Really nice to have a tour with him. We had a great time and then we became friends. I really recommend him.We would like to thank you for taking your precious time for these great recommendations for other clients regarding your overall experience in Ethiopia. It is always wonderful to read that we were able to meet your expectations and our teams are always dedicated to providing you a best service. We look forward to show you the other parts of our countryWritten December 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 24, 2024
- Climber292451262151 contributionIf you are going, I recommend a guide over an individual.It is a church made of a type of rock never seen before, and is a group of Thiopian Orthodox churches carved out of tuff. They say it is a very important building registered as a World Heritage site. From the capital, Addis Ababa, you can fly there in about an hour. The English guide, Moges Kibatie, was very kind and explained things I didn't understand in English in different ways. It was the best guide I have ever asked for.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten December 20, 2024
- FernandoNevesAlmeidaLisbon, Portugal390 contributionsAn extraordinary set of churches but of painful visitIt is an impressive group of churches excavated in the rock linked by tunnels and passages, which includes the northern group, the southern group and the church of St. George, the only one that is not protected by a palate. The protective structures of the temples are poorly designed, as they are overweight and are sinking in addition to spoiling the frames. They might be dispensable if the old water drainage systems were properly operated. To reach any of the groups, you have to open your way in the midst of a crowd of sellers and children begging for money. Then, at the base of the churches, which have, as a rule, small interiors, being only one of them painted, there are clumps of flies. Thus, the visit to an extraordinary place becomes painful, which does not invalidate that it is indispensable for a trip to the Ethiopian plateau, as long as the large village of Lalibela is accessible to travelers (it has fallen into the hands of the Amhar rebels several times in recent years). To mention I did a group tour, one afternoon and one morning, with the excellent guide we had and the quiet local guide. I don't know exactly the entry price in the churches, but I've heard it will be $100 per person.Visited January 2025Traveled with friendsWritten January 31, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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PablerasLogro_o
Logrono, Spain2,491 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The excavated churches are quite an experience. Reserve a couple of days to see them in peace and find someone to explain them to you so you can take advantage of the visit.
Tourists mix with pilgrims and their ceremonies.
Quite an experience.
Hopefully soon it can be safely visited again.
There are fleas in the carpets, wear socks and use repellent.
Tourists mix with pilgrims and their ceremonies.
Quite an experience.
Hopefully soon it can be safely visited again.
There are fleas in the carpets, wear socks and use repellent.

Written August 27, 2023
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.
Bernie C
Washington DC, DC33 contributions
Dec 2019
A must see! Such a fascinating place. There is so much to discover and learn. The architecture, the history is breath taking. We were very lucky. Our guide Zinabie was perfect: professional knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and friendly. His English was great. He took us everywhere we needed to see. He helped us pay when we ran out of money. For us, it was much cheaper to hire a local guide (who has a license) than to book through a local agency. There are a lot of local guides in Lalibella but we highly recommend Zinabie. You can contact him with Whatsap at +251 923 35 86 36 or send him an email zinabiebisset@ gmail.com0 You will not regret it! We hope you enjoy touring as much as we did.
Written January 15, 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.
Larry Wayne
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia1,009 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I feel so lucky to have a chance and opportunity to see this complex of monolith, semi monolith and cave churches, as well as the tunnels and catacombs. There are 11 churches in the complex and they are per group. Best to have a guide, a good guide that can tell you the story and history and for good photos. How did they do that? How did King Lalibela did that? It is a gift from above. Guide fee starts from 20-35usd and 50usd for the ticket that can be used for 5 days. Bring your passport with you because churches will check your ticket and compare the name from your passport. A must visit!
Written February 16, 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.
Jay F
Northampton, MA100 contributions
Jan 2020
Our guide selected about six of these over our stay, and chose those with different architectural styles. St. Giorgis (photo above) is the most magnificent. If you are lucky enough to visit St. Giorgis on St. Giorgis Day (we were there), the religious ceremony around and above the church is a once in a lifetime event to witness. See if you can get one of the priests in one of the churches to show you one of their religious books hand written in Ge'ez from the 14 th century: where else can you get so close to Medieval art?
Written February 7, 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.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore12,760 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This is not to be missed when in Ethiopia. These beautiful churches are carved out of rocks and are dated as far back as the 11th century and are still very well maintained. One will have to remove shoes when visiting the inside of the churches. If wearing socks, best to throw them away after touring all the churches as the floor of the churches are lined with old carpets which attract fleas.
Written October 22, 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.
Lara006
United Kingdom26 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We visited the churches of Lalibela just before their Christmas on the 7 th Jan. The place is firstly quite dusty to reach from the airport and was flooded by pilgrims- hundreds. Whilst one gets the atmosphere , it’s extremely busy and one gets pestered too. I would not recommend this time. Also try and stay out of centre - Mezena lodge is a little oasis from the noise and dust.
The churches are carved from ground down - interior dark. Remember to wear shoes that can be undone often and wear socks and no toilets around.
The churches are carved from ground down - interior dark. Remember to wear shoes that can be undone often and wear socks and no toilets around.
Written January 4, 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.
Alina S
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
We had a great time at the churches, we were hesistant about the 50$ but it’s definitely worth it. We also had a great guide who explained everything in really good English. Contact Indie if you’re still looking for someone reliable and with fair prices: 00251 932371752
Written April 24, 2021
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.
S C
London, UK280 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
For £50 each, we got an entry- ticket which would last for as many day-light visits as we might want over the next five days. We also hired an official guide, whose knowledge was excellent, and his English good, though heavily accented. We paid him about $10 an hour
Written February 3, 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.
Black Lion
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia513 contributions
May 2021 • Family
It’s just simply an amazing place. Plus, having a good tour guide really makes the difference.
For people who complain about the price, get over it! Even if it’s a little more than you wanna pay, consider it a blessing to support the local economy, which has really been affected by the global pandemic.
These places could be so much better developed as tourist sites. But that probably won’t happen since these are still active places of worship and since the community likes to keep things the way they are. Totally understandable.
For people who complain about the price, get over it! Even if it’s a little more than you wanna pay, consider it a blessing to support the local economy, which has really been affected by the global pandemic.
These places could be so much better developed as tourist sites. But that probably won’t happen since these are still active places of worship and since the community likes to keep things the way they are. Totally understandable.
Written May 20, 2021
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.
Higher L
London, UK35 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
This was my second visit to Lalibella as a solo traveller and felt safe through out my journey. I stayed away from the tourist area this time and went to Bilbala Kirkos church 25km outside of Lalibella. It was built before the churches in Lalibella and has a wonderful history. As Bilbala Kirkos church was not in the middle of the tourist area I got to meet and interact with genuine local people. I went with Adamu he was friendly and very knowledgeable about local history and answered all of my questions. If you want to see the real Lalibella and visit a really wonderful church I suggest that you contact him on +251911784004 (I hope he does not mind me sharing his number) and arrange a tour.
It was interesting seeing the churches in Lalibella and finding out their history, but I really enjoyed visiting Bilbala Kirkos church and finding out about King Kaleb who actually built the churches in the 5th century way before the churches in Lalibella were built. I would recomend a visit to this church to anyone who wants to see a truly ancient church that is still in use today.
When I went the priest gave me so many jars of holy honey (Yes I said gave not SOLD) that I gave some away when I got back to the UK. This to me is the real Ethiopia and I am looking forward to returning.
If you can please make a donation to the church. The priest are also farmers and unlike Lalibella the church does not charge 25$ enterance fee.
It was interesting seeing the churches in Lalibella and finding out their history, but I really enjoyed visiting Bilbala Kirkos church and finding out about King Kaleb who actually built the churches in the 5th century way before the churches in Lalibella were built. I would recomend a visit to this church to anyone who wants to see a truly ancient church that is still in use today.
When I went the priest gave me so many jars of holy honey (Yes I said gave not SOLD) that I gave some away when I got back to the UK. This to me is the real Ethiopia and I am looking forward to returning.
If you can please make a donation to the church. The priest are also farmers and unlike Lalibella the church does not charge 25$ enterance fee.
Written March 3, 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.
Is there any tribe's to visit here or nearby?
I know they're more in the South .
Just thinking whilst here we could pay a visit to a tribal village??
Written September 1, 2020
Good morning, I would like to know how much is the entrance fee for children. They are 7 and 5 years old. Further, we are foreigners, but we have a resident ID card because we work and live in Ethiopia. Is there any discount with this kind of document? Thank you!
Written January 12, 2019
we were a group of adults only. it is possible that the children enter for free.
Written January 13, 2019
Hi if will reach lalibela by flight and i will come with EtP airlines how much it will cost the 2 ways from Addis...
And if i want to visit the churches with a guide should i pay for him also the ticket to enter 50$ or only mine and i tip him??
Written January 9, 2018
Hi Marc - we paid about $200 return for air tickets from Addis to Lalibela and would recommend that you stay a few days there as it is lovely - we only stayed one night and wished we had stayed more nights. Marilyn is correct - we booked a brilliant guide (Abebe) though the hotel and we also booked a pickup and dropoff from the airport too. We tipped the guide in US$ as they prefer that. He spent 4 hours with us and walked us around the 11 churches - our price with the hotel also included the entrance for the churches as well.
Written January 9, 2018
Hi, I will be in Lalibela on Dec 18 for 1 night, could you provide the contact of the guide for me? How much should I be expecting to pay?
Written December 1, 2017
maguver
Honolulu, Hawaii
I’m coming today May 24th Alex if you are available come get me at the airport I’m landing at 10:20 am flight 122 my name is Fernando
Written May 24, 2018
Is it possible to enter the complex of St Mary's Church around 6:00am on Sunday (to see the ceremonies) and then continue to all other churches? How would I purchase the ticket in this case (because the site opens at 9:00am)? Or do I need to purchase the ticket a day before? Please advise!
Written November 28, 2017
Hi there, Yes of course you can enter in the church you mentioned on Sundays since this is a day on which church service is going on the whole night starting the eve. Around 05:00am, the mass service will start and continues till around 09:00am. But once the service is started, you should not allowed going here and there for your personal activities. Instead you stay inside the church and follow the service wiht the locals until it over. In side the church or compound moving to much is not advising for others would be disterbed.How ever, you can take photos when you find necessary. Then after the mass, you can head for your sightseeing. Buying the ticket on Saturday is more convient to enter the church compound on Sunday.
Enjoy your time.
Beyene.
Written November 29, 2017
Flying is much better and will take some 45m-50 minutes if direct. other wise you can drive the 800kms with 1 night stop over in Kombolcha or Dessie towns.
Thank you,
Beyene
Written November 29, 2017
Becky A
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Hi... I am doing research about Visitor Management at World Heritage Sites and I chose Lalibela Churches for case study! I will be grateful if you can answer for me the following questions. The questions are:
1. Based on your experience how would you rate Lalibela quality of: ( e.g. Excellent- Poor)
* Accessibility?
* Transportations?
* Accommodation/Hotels?
* Facilities?
* Tourist information centre?
* Safety?
* Road infrastructure?
* Signage?
2. What is your main purpose of your visit? (e.g. Leisure/holiday, Religion purpose, visiting family or friends etc..?)
3. How did you found out about Lalibela heritage? ( e.g. Internet/website, travel agent, recommendation from family or friends)
4. Based on your most recent visit did Lalibela heritage site live up your expectations?
5. Based on your experience how likely would you recommend Lalibela as a place to visit to a friend or relative? (e.g. extremely likely- not likely)
6. How do you rate Lalibela heritage site entrance fee? (e.g. Extremely Expensive- Cheap)
7. Overall how satisfied are you with your experience visiting or using Lalibela site services and products? ( Very satisfied - slightly satisfied etc..)
8. Are there any specific ways in which Lalibela visitor management could improve this site to make the visit more enjoyable?
Thank you so much for your time!!
Written March 27, 2015
Hi Becky
I went with two friends, we booked with Vast Ethiopia Tours, flew in to Lalibela from Addis Ababa, and had a private vehicle with tour guide provided, collected from airport. All very easy. So that answers Qs 1 & 2.
We stayed at Mountain View Hotel, best place in town and one of only two or maybe three places that I would rate as of decent Western standard (I am an African and rough it often when needs be, but a clean bed, etc etc are rather important).
Lalibela could be compated to a place like Kathmandu or Zanzibar: you can have a decent, clean experience, but you could also end up in a $#!^ hole if you tried to go the budget route (unless you lke it rough and local).
Did not try any other facilities than at hotel, and ate at the fabulous Ben Abeba restaurant (Run by crazy Scottish lady).
We did not need or use tourist info, as we had a private guide.
I would say one of the safest places I have ever been, anywhere in the world.
Roads are ok, one paved and the rest dirt, but good enough.
Sinage, does not really apply in Third World places like this. Pretty non existant.
2. Leisure, holiday.
3. I am a travel journo working mainly in Africa, so I know.
4. Lalibela is fantastic, beyond expectations.
5. Very likely.
6. The entrance fees go to pay the priesthood, not restore the churches or do good works in the town, so it is a complete rip-off. But you do not argue with the church guards and their AK47s.
7. Generally very satisfied, given when you realise where you are. It is 100 % authentic, it is a rare place and experience. You cannot make comparisons with Disney Land or Paris. Ethiopia is a rare and precious thing, a place that links direclty with the ancient past. Understand it for what it is, and you will love the place. Look for package tour convenience, maybe you will not.
8. Those UNESCO roofs, while serving a necessary function, are real Euro trash aesthetically.
Written March 30, 2015
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