Bet Aba Libanos
Ethiopia. Lalibela.
The southeastern group.
Lonely Planet review for Bet Abba Libanos
Bet Abba Libanos is hewn into a rock face and is unique among Lalibela's churches in that it's a hypogeous church. In English, that means only the roof and floor remain attached to the strata.
Like Bet Amanuel, many of its architectural features, such as the friezes, are Aksumite. Curiously, although it looks large from the outside, the interior is actually very small. The carved corners of its cubic capitals are rather unique; some guides say they may represent angel eyes.
The church is said to have been constructed in a single night by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebra, with a little help from angels. The church seems to grow from the rock and gives you a vivid idea of the work required to excavate these churches.
A tunnel leads off the church to the tiny chapel of Bet Lehem.
Bet Aba Libanos
Ethiopia. Lalibela.
The southeastern group.
Lonely Planet review for Bet Abba Libanos
Bet Abba Libanos is hewn into a rock face and is unique among Lalibela's churches in that it's a hypogeous church. In English, that means only the roof and floor remain attached to the strata.
Like Bet Amanuel, many of its architectural features, such as the friezes, are Aksumite. Curiously, although it looks large from the outside, the interior is actually very small. The carved corners of its cubic capitals are rather unique; some guides say they may represent angel eyes.
The church is said to have been constructed in a single night by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebra, with a little help from angels. The church seems to grow from the rock and gives you a vivid idea of the work required to excavate these churches.
A tunnel leads off the church to the tiny chapel of Bet Lehem.