Lalibela, where history and religion is set in stone

The majestic monolithic rock-cut churches of Lalibela. Photos: The Star/S. Indramalar

[caption id="attachment_171975" align="alignright" width="400"] The rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, are not to be missed. The most famous of the churches, because of its arresting design, is the Church of Saint George which was carved into the shape of a cross.[/caption]

I was prepared to be blown away in Lalibela. Every photo I’d seen of the famous rock-hewn churches in the northern Ethiopian city was nothing short of spectacular. One of the country’s seven Unesco World Heritage Sites, Lalibela’s monolithic churches have been touted by many as the eighth wonder of the world.