Lalibela

The eleven churches differ widely form each other, yet have certain typical features in common in their magnificent architecture. They are all basilica inform. There is no a piece of wood in all of the construction. The columns which divide the nave and aisles, the altars, the windows the relief and paintings exhibit the fantastic skill of the masons and sculptors.

Some would like to impose Egyptian influence on the rock-hewn churches. But in actual case these churches of Ethiopia bear no resemblance to Egyptian examples. The style of these churches and every element of their detail is essentially Ethiopian and is to be found repeatedly across the centuries in built -up edifices from the Axumite period on ward. There are some hundred other rock-hewn churches known to exist in other parts of Ethiopia they differ totally, not alone in architectural style, but also in being entirely detached, in the majority of cases, from the mountain, and being elaborately shaped both internally and externally. The nearest approximate to the Lalibella churches is said to be the Dravidian temple, the kailas, situated in the Indian village of Ellora in the state of Hyderbad.