Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela Gallery

GM1E75P1EO201

Christian Orthodox faithfuls attend a midnight Easter mass inside Bet Medhane Alem rock church in Lalibela April 23, 2011. According to legend, angels helped King Lalibela build this church and others like it in the 11th and 12th century after he received an order from God to create a new Jerusalem in Ethiopia. Picture taken April 23, 2011. REUTERS/Flora Bagenal (ETHIOPIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY)

Beautifully carved stelae represent the headstones

Beautifully carved stelae represent the headstones of an 11th to 13th century burial ground at Tiya. They date back to the time of King Lalibela who was responsible for the construction of many famous rock-hewn churches in the Ethiopian Highlands. &

© Nigel Pavitt

11th Century, 13th Century, Africa, African, Ancient Burial Ground, Burial Ground, Carved, Carved Headstones, Carved Stelae, Carvings, Ethiopia, Graves, Head Stones, Historic Monument, Historic Site, Jwl, King Lalibela, Rock, Rock Carving, Rocks, Sculptures, Shewa, Shewa Province, Shoa, Stone, Stone Carving, Stones, Tiya, World Heritage Site

Interior of Christian church of Bieta Medani Alem (Bieta Medhane Alem), Lalibela, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wollo region, Ethiopia

Interior of Christian church of Bieta Medani Alem (Bieta Medhane Alem), Lalibela, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wollo region, Ethiopia, Africa

© Bruno Barbier

Africa, African, Architecture, Bieta Medani Alem, Bieta Medhane Alem, Building Interior, Christian, Christianity, Church, Churches, Eastern Africa, Ethiopia, Ethiopian, House Of Worship, Indoor, Inside, Interior, Lalibela, Monolithic, National Famous Place, Place Of Worship, Religious, Rock Cut, Rock Hewn, Travel, Travel Destination, Wollo, World Heritage Site