Lalibela and Timkat

In short: Lalibela and Timkat: from Lalibela to Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Length: Place of pilgrimage with 11 rock-hewn churches, duration: 3 to 5 days. Best time: Christmas (7 January), Timkat (19 January).

Overview

In the 12th and 13th centuries, King Lalibela is said to have created a “New Jerusalem” in the highlands of Ethiopia, when the way to the Holy Land was blocked. The eleven churches cut from the rock are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims come above all for Christmas on 7 January and for Timkat, the feast of the baptism of Christ, on 19 January. Many cover long distances on foot and wear white cotton cloths. At night they fill the rock courtyards with chanting.

Check the situation in the Amhara region before you travel, as government travel advice at times warns against going there.

Who is this route for?

This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Africa, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.