Painstakingly carved out of solid basalt, Lalibela's 11 rock-hewn medieval churches are widely thought to date from King Lalibela's reign (AD 1181-1221). The monolithic buildings include chiseled doors, windows, and columns, alongside an extensive network of subterranean passageways and catacombs.

The churches at this staggering site are still used for daily worship and special ceremonies, while larger crowds flock here at Christmas and Easter, when white-robed pilgrims crowd the courtyards.

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