拉利贝拉(Lalibela)位于埃塞俄比亚北部高地,是全球知名的宗教和文化圣地。这里保存着 11 座从岩石中凿刻而成的教堂,它们不仅是建筑奇迹,更是信仰与传说交织的精神象征。
传说在 12 世纪,拉利贝拉国王(King Lalibela)在梦中获得神谕:在埃塞俄比亚建立一座“新耶路撒冷”。据说他出生时周围环绕蜜蜂,因此得名 “Lalibela”(“蜂宣王权”之意)。在他的统治下,当地工匠用简陋的工具,昼夜开凿,打造出地下与地表交错的教堂群。更有传说称,天使在夜间帮助他们完成建筑,这些故事至今仍深植于当地信仰之中。
拉利贝拉岩石教堂于 1978 年被列入 联合国教科文组织 (UNESCO) 世界遗产名录。
这 11 座教堂是中世纪单体 (monolithic) 石雕教堂的典范,它们体现了惊人的艺术成就和工程智慧。教堂由活岩开凿,形成人字形屋顶、柱廊、窗户和拱顶等复杂结构。
同时,周围传统的圆形土坯房 (Lasta Tukuls) 与教堂形成和谐景观,这不仅反映了宗教,也体现了当地古老的社会形态。
拉利贝拉教堂通过 “减法建造法”(从岩顶向下雕刻)完成。工匠首先在岩顶画出形状,然后逐步开凿,最后露出教堂空间。此外,教堂之间存在复杂的隧道和排水系统,包括沟渠、仪式通道和地下洞穴。在装饰方面,内部有柱子、半圆拱顶,部分教堂还有浮雕和壁画。
拉利贝拉是埃塞俄比亚东正教的重要朝圣地。每年 Timkat (顯現節) 与 Genna (圣诞节) 都吸引大量信徒前来祈祷。即便平日,这些教堂仍在使用,僧侣们在石墙间吟唱祈祷,信徒赤脚走过石道,氛围庄严宁静。
Hannane Aghayan Definitely overpriced Nice churches, but 100 usd is too much considering the price of other historical sites in the world. Try to visit on ceremony days
Matthias Legese The rock hewn churches of Lalibela is the most wonderfully tourist destinations in Ethiopia, it's mainly celebrated in Christmas!
Richard Beech World heritage site so worth a visit to be sure. Internal conflicts in Northern Ethiopia have decimated the tourism industry here which means there are no visitors and the economy is suffering. That also means that there are no crowds!! (When I went 12/2023 - there had been no violence for 4 months. Please check before you go to make sure it is still safe.) The churches are beautiful and the people lovely. Tickets are 100$ and my guide was 30$/day.
Siye Keberabe Despite the awe-inspiring nature of the Rock-Hewn Churches in Lalibela, which is considered one of the six wonders of the world, I must express my deep disappointment with my personal experience there. As an Ethiopian myself, it was disheartening to encounter such unprofessional and concerning behavior from the local guides. I strongly believe that both the local and federal government should collaborate to establish a transparent and standardized pricing system, clearly displayed in front of each hotel in the vicinity of this area. It is disheartening to witness individuals who should be ambassadors of their heritage instead exhibiting cunning, calculated, and overall disappointing conduct.
Vasyalifestyle A wonderful experience!! It was my second time in Ethiopia and first time at Lalibelas rock hewn churches . A ticket cost is two thousand five hundred birr , and valid for 5 days . And I was lucky enough to attend a priest and monks service on Easter eve !!! It’s happening only once an a year so guys don’t miss this celebration of Easter or it’s can be also epic celebration during Ethiopian Christmas time . The vibe is awesome , and it unique in the same time only in Ethiopia.