Stepping into one of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela is an experience unlike any other. Carved directly from volcanic rock, from top to bottom, unlike traditional buildings built from the ground up, the eleven wondrous churches of Lalibela are monumental expressions of devotion and symbols of Ethiopia’s spiritual heartland.
Visually captivating and rich with personal insights from priests entrusted with care of the churches, this documentary reveals how these sanctuaries—both magnificent and fragile—face the constant threat of erosion. Meet the dedicated guardians balancing conservation and sacred duty, to ensure Lalibela’s living pilgrimage tradition thrives for generations to come.
Part of a broader initiative to reframe The Met’s Arts of Africa galleries, Africa’s Cultural Landmarks emphasize local stewardship and contemporary efforts to preserve Africa’s irreplaceable cultural heritage.
About Lalibela, Ethiopia
Carved on the site of Roha, a ceremonial center of the Zagwe Dynasty (ca. 1137-1270), the medieval center of Lalibela comprises 11 rock-hewn churches situated on either side of the River Yordannos. The churches have largely been credited to a monumental building campaign undertaken by King Lalibela between the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries and have been added to and modified over successive centuries. Hewn from soft, volcanic rock, the sacred monuments bear densely layered symbolism in their design and embellishment—Priest Gebre Kiros Debre Kassa notes that the cross, both as the plan of the Betä Giyorgis Church and a symbol employed in various forms throughout the site, “heals and brings calmness and spiritual stability.” Resulting from these deep cultural and religious histories, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lalibela is one of the holiest places for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians with over 100,000 pilgrims visiting this sacred center each year.
Africa’s Cultural Landmarksis produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with World Monuments Fund.
