Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George)
ቤተ ጊዮርጊስ
A freestanding cross-shaped church carved downward from the bedrock. Seen from above, it looks like a giant cross, and it is the most iconic image in Lalibela.
Tradition holds that this was the last church built by King Lalibela. It is carved about 12 m down from ground level. Its roof forms a triple Greek cross, and the walls, windows, and interior are all sculpted from a single block of red tuff. Visitors can photograph it from the cliff edge first, then descend a rock ramp and tunnel to the bottom of the church. You must remove your shoes to go inside. The church is included in the rock-hewn churches combined ticket. Photographing it at dusk, with the light behind, means fewer people in the frame.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Bete Golgotha-Mikael
- Bete Maryam
- Bete Medhane Alem
- Bete Gabriel-Rufael
- Bete Abba Libanos
- Bete Merkorios
- Bete Amanuel