Best Photography Spots in Lalibela, Ethiopia 🚀📸

Lalibela, a small town nestled in the Lasta mountains of Ethiopia, is an extraordinary destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a collection of monolithic churches carved directly into the rock, making it one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations for photographers. Here are some must-visit photography spots in Lalibela 🌄📸

1. The Monolithic Churches of Lalibela 🏚️🗻

Lalibela’s monolithic churches, carved from the red volcanic rock during the late 12th and early 13th centuries, are the town’s most iconic landmarks. These eleven rock-hewn churches, each unique in design, are connected by tunnels and passages that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and an opportunity to capture the churches’ architectural marvels at different angles. Some popular churches for photography include:

• Beta Giyorgis (Church of St. George) 🏰🌅: The most photogenic of all Lalibela’s churches, Beta Giyorgis is carved out of a large chunk of rock and sits on a precipice overlooking the valley below.
• Bete Medhane Alem (Church of the Savior of the World) 🏛️✨: The largest monolithic church in Lalibela, Bete Medhane Alem is an impressive structure with intricate carvings and a soaring central tower.
• Bethelazan Mariam (Church of St. Mary) ☀️🌄: Carved into a cliff face, this church offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

2. The Landscapes of Lasta 🏞️🌄

The rugged landscapes of the Lasta region provide an ideal backdrop for capturing unique images of Lalibela’s churches against a dramatic sky or vast, open horizon. Some notable locations to photograph the stunning vistas include:

• Ben-Abeba Viewpoint 🏞️🌅: A short drive from Lalibela, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the town and its churches against the backdrop of rolling hills and mountains.
• Ashetan Maryam Monastery ⛪️🌄: Located a few kilometers northwest of Lalibela, this monastery sits atop a hill and provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and churches below.

3. Local Life and Culture 👥🎨

Photographing the people and culture of Lalibela can provide a unique perspective on the town’s way of life. From the colorful markets selling traditional crafts to the local farmers working in the fields, there are countless opportunities to capture authentic moments of daily life in this enchanting Ethiopian town.

• Lalibela Market 🛍️🌞: The bustling market in Lalibela offers a vibrant display of local produce, traditional crafts, and textiles that make for stunning photographs.
• Local Villages 🏘️🌄: A visit to one of the nearby villages provides an opportunity to photograph the daily routines of the local community, including farming activities, weaving, and traditional music and dance performances.