45 Ancient Ruins That Are Even More Stunning Than the Pyramids

20. Lalibela – Ethiopia’s Rock-Hewn Churches

Hidden in the Ethiopian highlands, Lalibela is home to an incredible series of 11 monolithic churches carved entirely from solid rock. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, these churches were commissioned by King Lalibela as a "New Jerusalem" for Christian pilgrims. The most famous, the Church of Saint George, is shaped like a massive cross, hewn from the ground downwards. The complex also includes underground tunnels, passageways, and intricate carvings that seem almost impossible to have been created with medieval tools. Today, Lalibela remains an important religious site, drawing both pilgrims and travelers to witness this extraordinary architectural achievement.