In 'Ethiopia north-central, the Amara region it is a region-state created in 1995. It has a mountainous territory, and hides places that are a surprise. Starting with Lalibela, a city located 2500 meters above sea level, which is a sacred place. But also a masterpiece of art, culture and architecture.
Behind the fame he enjoys throughout the world are his own churches monolithic, dug into the rock and declared a World Heritage Site by Unrsco. Here, in Ethiopia which was among the first countries to convert to Christianity, Lalibela was built as symbolic representation of Jerusalem at the behest of the local emperor, Gebre Masqel Lalibela, that Jerusalem had the opportunity to visit it before its conquest by the Muslims. Falling in love with its magnificence and its religious significance, once he returned to his homeland, the king decided to build a city that - in some way - resembled it.
Not far in style from other Ethiopian cities - with its cluster of houses that are little more than huts, a handful of hotels and a few squares - it seems to be one of those places to visit once in a lifetime. And the credit goes to her churches is – immersed under the earth, some 50 meters deep – have particular openings through which sunlight filters. Giving a magical atmosphere.
To reach the twelve churches of Lalibela it is necessary to move away from the city center, full of life, tourists and children. Excavated from a single block of rock, those buildings are the subject of a legend: the locals believe that King Lalibela, inspired by God and Saint George, built churches of this type throughout Ethiopia, thanks to the help of angels. In reality, the only ones ever discovered are those of Lalibela. Some are small and can accommodate no more than ten people, others are very large, they look like caves. And, with their frescoes, bas-reliefs and carpets, they are of extraordinary beauty.
Among the twelve churches, the most famous is that of Bet Giorgis: cross-shaped, it develops downwards. And connected to the others through narrow alleys, crossed by the monks and priests who live there. You can walk through those tunnels, but any form of lighting is prohibited: you can only proceed by groping, using your hands to locate the walls. In any case, whether you decide to walk around the roof of a church or immerse yourself in the city's underground, Lalibela - according to those who have seen it - is a unique city. And among the most beautiful in the world.
