Lalibela

The route from Bahir Dar to Lalibela is through rugged mountains and is one pf the greatest drives through Ethiopia with tall mountains plunging valleys and terraced fields hugging the steep slopes.

 A view down from one of the many passes.

 Terraced fields.

 And the main attraction of Lalibela are the ancient churches carved from the rocks, many of a similar age and many built by King Lalibela. Many of covered by roofs to protect against the rain and sun.

 A detail of one of the windows.

 The front of the church.

 One of the original columns although all the others have suffered erosion and have been replaced by brickwork.

 And the most famous is St Georges Church, the only rock hewn cruciform church in the world.

 A detail of one of the windows.

 The north transept.

 Looking down to the baptismal font in the corner.

 The path down to the entrance.

 Yet another church although this is different as this is a cave with a stone work facade.

 One of the paths down to the entrance.

 Some of the erosion caused over the centuries.

 And after the churches is was time for a meal in one of the best restaurants in the town with great views although the modern design is out of character with everything else in the city.

 Another view of the restaurant.