Lalibela is a town in Ethiopia famous for its rock-cut churches. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum , and a center of worship. Massive eleven rock-hewn churches , each carved out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level. The current town of Lalibela was known as Roha.
The origins of these rock churches date back to the reign of Saint Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, also known as King Lalibela. However, the dating varies between scholars; some date it to the time of the apostles in the 3th century AD - 7th century AD. The purpose of the churches was to create a New Jerusalem for those who could not make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Even the general layout and names of the major buildings in Lalibela are widely believed, to be a symbolic representation of Jerusalem.
Each rock church was carved from a single piece of rock to symbolize spirituality and humility. Among the first Europeans to see these churches was the Portuguese explorer Pêro da Covilhã (1460–1526). The excavations began in the 20th century, according to UNESCO: There are two main groups of churches – to the north of the river Jordan: Biete Medhani Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), Biete Mariam (House of Mary), Biete Maskal (House of the Cross), Biete Denagel (House of Virgins), Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of
Golgotha Mikael); and to the south of the river, Biete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel), Biete Qeddus Mercoreus (House of St.
Mercoreos), Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos), Biete Gabriel Raphael (House of Gabriel Raphael), and Biete Lehem (House of Holy Bread). The eleventh church, Biete Ghiorgis (House
of St. George), is isolated from the others, but connected by a system of trenches. "What makes the Lalibela churches important is that they are still in use," says Woldegiorgis. "It's not a museum; it's a living heritage. Every day, every morning, there is a service in all the churches." -CNN.
As a continental African, the history of our region bears testimony to the ingenuity of our ancestors. When we discover ancient civilizations like this impressive ancient churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, Africa that was hewn from rock c. 6th or 7th century and completed around 12th century. It proves beyond doubt that Africa has contributed to human civilization.
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