Lalibela

Lalibela is a medieval settlement in the Lasta area of Wellow. It is the site of the eleven remarkable rocks-hewn churches, which are believed to be built by king Lalibela in the late twelfth and thirteenth century being assisted by Angels.

This kingdom is also called as the kingdom of living rock. In the second half of the 12th century, a Prince was born in the family of the Zagwe-dynasty. This young boy in the Zagwe –dynasty was the son of Zan-Siyum.According to legend, his mother observed one day that his cradle was covered by a swarm of bees. Seeing this as a sign of his future greatness, she exclaimed “Lalibela” which in Agew means’ the bees recognize his sovereignty”. Hence forth he was known by this name. The name Lalibela was also given to the place after King Lalibela, where it was called as Roha before him. His monolithic churches are now considered as the greatest Ethiopian architectural wonders and are ranked the eighth most incredible historical sites of the world by UNESCO.