Lalibela churches carved from single stone blocks in 12th century by King Lalibela. 11 churches were carved at Lalibela in the 12th century King Lalibela built them to create a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia The churches were carved from single blocks of virgin rock
11 complete churches carved from single blocks of solid rock in 12th-century Ethiopia by King Lalibela — ceilings, doorways, chambers and all. Connected by underground tunnels. The Church of St. George is cross-shaped. Absolutely mind-blowing engineering! ⛪🪨
Key facts claimed:
- 11 churches were carved at Lalibela in the 12th century
- King Lalibela built them to create a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia
- The churches were carved from single blocks of virgin rock
- Each church is a complete cathedral with ceilings, doorways, and chambers
- The construction allegedly took 24 years with help of angels according to tradition
Key Facts
- 11 churches were carved at Lalibela in the 12th century
- King Lalibela built them to create a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia
- The churches were carved from single blocks of virgin rock
- Each church is a complete cathedral with ceilings, doorways, and chambers
- The construction allegedly took 23 years with help of angels according to tradition
- Underground labyrinths and tunnels connect the churches
- One tradition claims the churches were built to house the Ark of the Covenant
- The stone type is hard and not easily worked
- French archaeologists added outer pillars in recent times for preservation
- The Church of St. George is shaped like a cross
Related site: Lalibela — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Ethiopia: Ancient Land of Mystery, World War and Rediscovery of The Lost Books of Enoch. by The Randall Carlson