North Wollo
A mountainous zone in northern Amhara, home to the sacred rock-church town of Lalibela and central to pilgrimage and historical journeys.
North Wollo is an administrative zone in northern Amhara, in highland mountain country with dramatic relief. Its most famous site is Lalibela, where a dozen or so medieval churches carved downward out of single blocks of rock are World Heritage–listed and remain an important pilgrimage site for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, with especially grand ceremonies at Epiphany (Timkat) and Christmas (Genna). The surrounding mountains also hold ancient churches you can hike to, such as Asheton Maryam Monastery. The dry season (roughly October to March) is the best time to go. Lalibela Airport has domestic flights. The local situation has been changeable in recent years, so check safety advisories before you go.