Rock-Cut Churches

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There are 11 rock-cut churches in Lalibela, divided into the following three groups:

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The Northern Group

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Bete Medhane Alem: House of the Saviour of the World. It is home to the Lalibela Cross and is the biggest rock church in the world.

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Bete Maryam: House of Mary. This is possibly the oldest of the churches. It is well decorated with paintings from the 12th century.

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Bete Golgotha — Debresina: House of Golgotha / the holy sepulchre. This is a twin church and is known for its arts. It is said to contain the tomb of King Lalibela.

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Bete Meskel: House of the Cross.

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Bete Denagel: House of Virgins.

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The Western Group

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Bete Giyorgis: Church of Saint George. This is thought to be the most finely built. Unlike any other church in the Christian world, Bete Giyorgis forms a cross shape from top to bottom.

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The Southern Group

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Bete Amanuel: House of Emmanuel. This church is purely monolithic in the second group or in the southern cluster. It is a three-story building.

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Bete Qeddus Mercoreus: House of St. Mercoreus / House of St. Mark.

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Bete Abba Libanos: House of Abbot Libanos. It is a cave church and is called African Petra.

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Bete Gabriel-Rufael: House of the angels Gabriel and Raphael. It is a semi-monolithic rock church. It is believed to be a three-story building church and the bottom level is water.

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