The Rock-Hewn Churches located in Lalibela, Ethiopia is an outstanding work of architecture for early times. The series of churches was built under the order of King Lalibela, who planned to transform the city of Lalibela into a New Jerusalem, as Muslims mainly occupied the old Jerusalem in Israel. A series of monolithic churches were built around 12th and 13th century and until now, the Rock-Hewn Churches still stand firm to continually amaze tourists around the world. It was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1978.

In total, there are thirteen churches in the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and these are grouped in four:

Northern Group

- Bete Medhane Alem, wherein the Lalibela Cross can be found.

- Bete Maryam, the church believed to be the oldest among the Rock-Hewn Churches.

- Bête Golgotha

- Selassie Chapel

- Tomb of Adan

Southern Group

- Monastery of Ashetan Maryam

- Yimrehane Kristos

Western Group

- Bete Giyorgis, acclaimed to be the best well-preserved church among the series of churches.

Eastern Group

- Bete Amanuel, believed to be the royal chapel.

- Bete Merkorios,

- Bete Gabriel Rufael

- Bete Abba Libanos

The city of Lalibela is a frequently visited tourist attraction. An airport, a hospital and several markets can be found within the place. While visiting the Rock-Hewn Churches, it is advisable to wear the most comfortable shoes as venturing throughout the churches can be quite tiring. There are many local tour guides and helpers around the place and it is recommendable to appoint one. The local tour guide will help you navigate around the churches; moreover, the helper will take care of your shoes as you enter the church because shoes must be taken off before going in. Inside the churches, different religious items can be found, including the wall paintings, swastikas and crosses. You will absolutely be amazed at how the rocks were cut and curved; so pay a visit at the Rock-Hewn Churches and be dazzled with its amazing beauty!

Fasilides Castle is a stunning tourist destination in Ethiopia. It is an old castle built in 17th century for the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides Alam Sagad. The castle can be found in Gondar, Amhara Region. The castle’s structure is purely made of stone. Definitely, Fasilides Castle is a representation of Ethiopia’s great history.

Ethiopian Emperor Fasilides Alam Sagad is one of the remarkable rulers in Abyssinia, the ancient name of Ethiopia. He founded the city of Gondar in 1636 which became the capital of Abyssinia, which is in the northwestern part of Ethiopia. The Gondar city during that time was one of the most significant business centers in Abyssinia. It is also home to various cultural and administrative amenities. Because of that, the city prospered and different structures were built. From time to time, castles, churches and other infrastructures were constructed. One of those is the emperor’s castle, the Fasilides Castle. It is one of the most important castles in Ethiopia. There are many other castles and old churches around the place, but the Fasilides Castle is the most remarkable because little damage has been done to it. A tourist can be amazed at how this enormous castle was built during the early times and how it battled to remain standing until the 21st century. Currently, a preservation task group is taking care of this castle as well as the other castles and churches in Gondar in order to maintain their ancient beauty.

Paying a visit at Fasilides Castle is not hard as there are also many tourists roaming around the old city. The locals here are sell souvenir items, food and refreshments, perfect if you are hungry or needing ornamental gifts to take back with you. So, if you ever visit Ethiopia, don’t forget to visit the Fasilides Castle!

The Blue Nile Falls are one of the greatest falls in Africa. It is located in Ethiopian plateau, passing the Blue Nile River. This waterfall is also known as Tis Issat meaning smoking water, as the continuous dropping of water creates a smoke-like bounce of water droplets. The Blue Nile Falls has an enormous height of 37 to 45 meters or around 150 feet and its width is estimated at about half a mile. Watching the river water drop down the waterfalls is truly breathtaking.

Various trips can be arranged in order to reach the Blue Nile Falls as it is a main tourist spot in Ethiopia. There are many locals that make their income from the benefits of tourism; many are selling food and drinks like calabashes and sodas. Also many people are also selling charms, souvenirs and walking sticks. For accommodation, there are hotels available a few kilometers away from the falls. If planning to visit the falls, it is recommendable to wear comfortable clothes as the trail on the way to the falls is quite bumpy. The flora around the falls can also be appreciated; there are many plant species endemic only to that area. The Blue Nile Falls are also enriched with different types of wildlife that can only be found in Ethiopia.

Currently, a hydroelectric station was built in order to divert the flow of water to the falls for electrical purposes. This has caused a decrease in the flowing water of Blue Nile Falls, however, the full beauty of the falls can still be appreciated during Sundays and holidays because the hydroelectric station only operates during weekdays. For this reason, it is advisable to visit on Sundays. Prepare everything and enjoy nature’s great miracles: go see the Blue Nile Falls!