Mystery and intrigue surround the formation of the carved stone churches of Lalibela in the remote North West of Ethiopia.  Myth of the churches say they were built by crusaders returning from the Holy land, but Ethiopians believe that they were created with the help of angles by King Lalibela over 1000 years ago.
 
The most magnificent of the churches is Bet Giorgis, the House of Saint George, named after the patron saint of Ethiopia.  Carved out of solid rock in the shape of a cross, the church is a structural marvel.  Builders would first have created the 6 metre deep courtyard to form the exterior of the building, before carving the doors and windows into it.  And then hollowing out the rock beyond to make the interior.  The immensity of this task, and the precision it required, is almost inconceivable, especially bearing in mind that all the work was done by hand. 
 
In all there are 11 carved churches at Lalibela, including Bet Medhane Alem (the House of Emmanuel) which, at 800 square metres, is the largest carved monolithic structure in the world. 
 
Although synonymous in the West with famine and disaster, Ethiopia is steeped in ancient and biblical history.  Many Ethiopians believe the Halie Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, could trace his linage directly to the illegitimate son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.  This son was said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Ethiopia, and it is believed to reside in Aksum where King Lalibela built his churches. 
 
Although the churches would be evocative as deserted ruins, they are still in constant use and each has a resident priest who, with a little prompting, will bring out a church treasure to show your.