Lalibela

You’ve probably heard of the rock-hewn temples and tombs of Petra in Jordan, but have you heard of the rock churches of Lalibela? Tucked into the highlands of northern Ethiopia at nearly 8,000 feet, this small mountain town is home to eleven medieval churches carved directly downward into volcanic red rock, dating back to the 12th century. Lalibela is not ruins, but rather an active place of worship.

The churches of Lalibela are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination in the Christian world, yet they remain remarkably uncrowded outside of Timkat — the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany each January. Tens of thousands of pilgrims descend on Lalibela from across the country, filling the rock courtyards with drumming, chanting, white robes and candlelight.

Getting here takes some effort — a flight to Addis Ababa and a connection to the highlands. For travelers who make that effort, Lalibela delivers something increasingly rare: a place that feels genuinely discovered.