Biete Maryam is a historic church located in the northern part of Ethiopia, in the town of Lalibela. Lalibela is known for its rock-hewn churches, and Biete Maryam is one of the most famous and impressive of these churches.
The church is carved out of solid rock and is thought to have been built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Lalibela. The church is named after the Virgin Mary and is renowned for its unique architectural design, intricate carvings, and well-preserved frescoes.
Biete Maryam is a monolithic structure, meaning it was carved out of a single rock. The exterior of the church is relatively plain compared to other churches in Lalibela, but the interior is filled with beautifully carved pillars, arches, and domes. The walls are covered in religious frescoes that date back to the time of its construction.
The church is still an active place of worship for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, and it is open to visitors who wish to explore the unique history and architecture of the site. Biete Maryam is also a popular tourist attraction and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to Biete Maryam, Lalibela is home to several other rock-hewn churches that are equally impressive and well worth a visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.
Biete Maryam is located in the town of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia. The town is accessible by both air and land.
If you are traveling by air, you can fly into Lalibela Airport, which is located approximately 25 minutes away from the town center. Ethiopian Airlines offers daily flights to Lalibela from Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.
If you are traveling by land, there are several options for getting to Lalibela. You can take a bus or a minivan from Addis Ababa, which takes approximately 10-12 hours. There are also private tour operators that offer guided tours and transportation to Lalibela from Addis Ababa.
Once you arrive in Lalibela, Biete Maryam and the other rock-hewn churches are located in the town center and can be easily accessed on foot or by hiring a local guide. It's also worth noting that Lalibela is located at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, so it's important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
The church is carved out of solid rock and is thought to have been built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Lalibela. The church is named after the Virgin Mary and is renowned for its unique architectural design, intricate carvings, and well-preserved frescoes.
Biete Maryam is a monolithic structure, meaning it was carved out of a single rock. The exterior of the church is relatively plain compared to other churches in Lalibela, but the interior is filled with beautifully carved pillars, arches, and domes. The walls are covered in religious frescoes that date back to the time of its construction.
The church is still an active place of worship for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, and it is open to visitors who wish to explore the unique history and architecture of the site. Biete Maryam is also a popular tourist attraction and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to Biete Maryam, Lalibela is home to several other rock-hewn churches that are equally impressive and well worth a visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.
How can we get to Biete Maryam?
Biete Maryam is located in the town of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia. The town is accessible by both air and land.
If you are traveling by air, you can fly into Lalibela Airport, which is located approximately 25 minutes away from the town center. Ethiopian Airlines offers daily flights to Lalibela from Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.
If you are traveling by land, there are several options for getting to Lalibela. You can take a bus or a minivan from Addis Ababa, which takes approximately 10-12 hours. There are also private tour operators that offer guided tours and transportation to Lalibela from Addis Ababa.
Once you arrive in Lalibela, Biete Maryam and the other rock-hewn churches are located in the town center and can be easily accessed on foot or by hiring a local guide. It's also worth noting that Lalibela is located at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, so it's important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
