Stock Photo - The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia The church Bet Amanuel, buildt in the ethiopian - axumite style, exterior As a protection most of the churches are covered by a modern roofing The churches of Lalibela have been constructed in the 12th or 13th century They have been hewn from the solid rock and are considered to be one of the largest monolithic structures ever build by mankind Emperor Gebra Maskal Lalibela is credited with the construction of Lalibela They are listed as UNESCO world heritage and are the biggest tourist attraction of Ethiopia All the same Lalibela is one of the most important sanctuaries for the Ethiopian orthodox church, full of religious life and attracting many pilgrims Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Lalibela, September 2010