Ethiopia - Gondar & Lalibela

The tour of old churches and castles is now over. Monday I start the 5 day, 1,800km drive from Addis Ababa to Nairobi. Gondar is the site of the Royal Enclosure, a bunch of 17th century castles. Lalibela is home to a bunch of rock hewn churches from the 11th century. Both were incredible and well worth the trip.

I thought this rock formation on the drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar was pretty cool









This is the largest castle at Gondar and also the best persevered. Former home to King Fasilada









Some other castle structures. The Italians unfortunately plastered the library (in the center) for some reason, maybe preservation





Debre Selassie church in Gondar. 18th century with original artwork






The ceiling of the Debre Selassie church







St. George rock hewn church in Lalibela










This shows best how the church were constructed: The rock was excavated from around them, they are the natural bedrock





More rock hewn churches










This one is cool because it is 3 stories high and excavated all the way around with a bridge connecting the entrance






This one had probably the best exterior. Amazing considering it is the natural rock - don't screw up!