Lalibela is in northern Ethiopia, secluded by mountains, and one of the holiest cities. It was intended to be a 'New Jerusalem' and many of its buildings take their name and design from buildings in Jerusalem.

The amazing 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela took approximately 24 years to complete and are said to have been created with the help of angels.

Each church was carved out of a solid piece of red rock with the largest being Medhane Alem at 30m long, 24m wide and 11m high.

Beta Giorgis (the Church of St. George) is shaped like a cross and surrounded by a trench.

This is Ethiopia's top attraction and the venue for some of the most famous religious festivals in Ethiopia when thousands of pilgrims arrive from around the country. The celebration of Jesus Christ's baptism in September is said to be one of the most memorable festivals in Lalibela.