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Lalibela, Day 3


We left Addis for an early flight to  Lalibela via Gondar.  Located in the mountains of Lasta north of Addis Ababa, it is best known for its incredible rock-hewn churches, 'the eighth wonder of the world.'

The landscape is more barren and dry compared to Bahir Dar just a few hundred miles to the west. The shot above is looking north. 

Below is the group on the steps of the Tomb of Adam. 




In the morning we visited the Northwestern cluster of churches, the oldest, Bet Maryam (House of Mary), and its replicas of the Tombs of Adam and Christ, and the largest, Bet Medhane Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), home to the Lalibela Cross. 



In the afternoon, we visited the Southeastern cluster. The most famous of which is Bet Giyorgis, built in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. 



The eleven churches were built by King Lalibela in the 1100s. They are believed to represent 'The New Jerusalem.' As a result, Lalibela is the second holiest city in Ethiopia. Aksum being the most. 


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