A Passion for Architecture Lalibela the name of a king, a place and a church Lalibela a town in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia with an elevation of 2630m and initially known as Roha, was the Zagwe dynasty’s capital in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Home of breathtaking rock-hewn churches built by Emperor Lalibela believed to begin the construction of the church in the tenth year of his reign and construction took 23 years to complete the churches. Stories say the motive for the construction was the inspiration of visiting Jerusalem and the recounted that he ascended to heaven and saw marvelous buildings and God ordered him to built similar church. Also the knowing of the intense desire of all Christians to visit Jerusalem at least once in life time as that been and to discourage pilgrims from journey to Jerusalem to avoid the danger they encounter in the desert in Sudan and Egypt or in passing of Muslim countries on their way to the holy land. Opinions differ as to who built the church few from that is The “Gedel” of Lalibela states that they were constructed by Lalibela himself Angels joined the work men and toiled with them by day and in night they did double the amount of work which the men have done during the day. The other is that Christian Egyptians were being subjected to be persecuted and were forced to flee their country consequently b/n 4000-5000 came to Ethiopia and among those were the men who constructed the monolithic church of Roha. The worlds Heritage site of Lalibela, not only a World Heritage site, but truly a world wonder which offers exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. The site is often referred to as ‘The New Jerusalem’ or ‘The Eighth wonder of the World’ because of its spectacular complex of the eleven underground churches hewn out of a solid volcanic rock. The surrounding landscape is amongst the most rugged and awe-inspiring in Ethiopia. no matter how many pictures you’ve seen of its this breathtaking rock-hewn churches, nothing can prepare you for the reality of seeing it for yourself. Started the tour with visiting the first group the 11 magnificent underground Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela which were hewn out of solid rock 800 years ago, between 1135 - 1270 AD and are still active places of worship. These churches include: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael. Later continue with a visit to the second group of churches which represent the Heavenly Jerusalem. These churches are very different from the first ones in many ways. They are more in a defensive position, not east west oriented and dissimilar in their architectural style. These in general lead to a theory that these churches might be so older and their original function may not be same. This churches Include Bête Gabriel and Raphael, Bete Merkorious, Bete Emanuel (The Palace Church), and Bete Aba Libanos. Lalibela also very rich in amazing monasteries to visit. One is Yemrehanna Kristos so I set out the next morning for an excursion to the landscape lies 42 km North West to Lalibela and reached via a dirt road after driving an hour. The church lies under an overhunting cave with its beautiful architecture. The church is unique in its method of excursion and style. It lies under such an overhanging volcanic cliff gives the church a hidden position from the outside world. When one passes the outside stone wall in to the compound be surprised with the special appearance of the rectangular church which lies on the reddish stone plinth. The recessed and projected alternative layers of the church are built from stones and wood beams. The interior part of the church is divided in to two aisles by two rows of cruciform arched pillars that support the ceiling of the church. The ceiling itself is divided in to domed, capsized and flat which in turn accommodates painting of different nature! The eastern and northern facades also have painting made later on cotton fabric which is a worth to visit and inspire yourself with the most you passionate about.