Bete Abba Libanos Church, Lalibela

This church is Lalibela’s memorial monument and the last one to be built. It is named after Abba Libanos, a famous saint of the time. Abba Libanos Church was built by Meskal Kibra, the wife of St. Lalibela, as a memorial to her husband. It is said that this church was built in only one night with the help of angels.

Many architectural features of the church, such as the frieze decorations, are similar to Aksumite architecture. Interestingly, while the outside of the church looks large, the inside is relatively small. The most notable feature of the church is that it is carved into the surface of a vertical cliff, similar to Petra. It is a semi-monolithic church. Except for the roof, it is not completely separated from the main rock. The other three sides are carved through narrow tunnels, fully separated from the surrounding rock.

The aisle and nave extend from east to west. Some priests claim there is a small light in the middle of the altar that shines day and night with its own power. The altar is found in the Holy of Holies section of the church, where no one is allowed to enter.