Lalibela

A group of 12th century monolithic churches, each cut entirely from a single piece of volcanic rock and carved from the outside in. Some of the structures are joined by tunnels and trenches, with secret entrances and even a 15-meter deep defensive moat. The complex is built to be a symbolic representation of the holy city, a New Jerusalem for Christians to visit almost a 900 years ago.

To visitors, it can feel like a scene from another time: Priests read from prayer books made of animal hide and devotees rattle sistrums that punctuate ancient chants.

Just as the rituals of the masses held here have hardly changed from generation to generation, the eleven intertwined churches stand today unchanged from when they were first carved out.

Unlike many historic churches that can seem manicured for tourists, Lalibela’s Sacred Rock Churches are a living heritage. Seven times a day, seven days a week, followers still gather here to chant prayers in unison.