Lalibela is such a famous name that no household in Ethiopian don’t know it. And it was only my friend’s visit of Ethiopia that either my trip of this place has been sped up or a mere unfulfilled plan came into practice which otherwise would never have been executed.

 Lalibela: the eighth wonder of the world

Because of the decision to visit laibela came too soon for me to do any homework of this place. Lalibela came to me as a surprise as it is no more than a village with a population of merely 20,000, in compare to such an astounding name. Located in high land of an altitude of more than 2600M and surround by mountains of almost 4000m, Lalibela is safe from the prying eyes and plundering hands of hostile invaders. In such a location of anonymity, the noble King Lalibela, built marvels between 17th and 18th century.

I could not describe the awe struck feeling when I am wondering among the uniquely made churches. It is no ordinary building that are built in normal way by laying materials from foundation to top, but actually carved out mountain rocks by removing materials chisel by chisel. And they are not small cave churches but imposing buildings with spacious and complex structure inside, huge rectangular shaped columns, bewildering labyrinth of tunnels and narrow passageways. It is no wonder that people believe in the legend that such works are done with the help of God. In such mysterious and wonderful settlement, priests go about their timeless business, praying and reading, holding pious ceremonies year in and year out, scarcely aware that they are living in what has been know as the eighth wonder of the world.

I am no believer of God, but visiting wonders as seen in lalibela do has the mind-boggling effect of a touch with God. Pushing further, I might as well being a God believer, who knows?