Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
4.5
Ancient RuinsReligious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Plan your visit

See what travelers are saying

  • Drew
    Rome, Italy7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simply 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 WhatsApp
    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 country
    Written December 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 3, 2024
  • Edward
    New York City, New York2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very 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.com
    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 country
    Written December 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 3, 2024
  • Bruno Zeymer
    Belo Horizonte, MG29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ephrem tour guide
    Ephrem 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 country
    Written December 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 24, 2024
  • Climber29245126215
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If 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 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written December 20, 2024
  • FernandoNevesAlmeida
    Lisbon, Portugal390 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An extraordinary set of churches but of painful visit
    It 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 2025
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 31, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,879 reviews
Excellent
1,525
Very good
269
Average
57
Poor
16
Terrible
12

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

PablerasLogro_o
Logrono, Spain2,491 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Google
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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.

Showing results 1-10 of 1,272
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

All things to do in Lalibela
Day Trips in Lalibela
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars