Australian Ambassador thrilled by Lalibela monolithic churches

Addis Ababa, January 10, 2023 (FBC) – The Australian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ms Julia Niblett, stated that she was thrilled by the Ethiopian Christmas celebrations in Lalibela and the centuries old monolithic churches.

Ambassador Niblett and other ambassadors and representatives of different countries based in Addis Ababa attended the Ethiopian Christmas celebrations in the historic city of Lalibela upon the invitation by the Ministry of Tourism.

The diplomats visited one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Lalibela rock-hewn churches.

“The famous rock hewn churches of Lalibela, each built out of a single block of stone over 24 years in the 12th and 13th century are magnificent structures with particular spiritual and symbolic value and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she said after concluding her adventures in northeast Ethiopia.

The Aussie envoy said it was “an honour to visit the beautiful town of Lalibela for [Ethiopian] Christmas with fellow Ambassadors, including joining the candlelight ceremony overnight at the famous Biete Ghiorgis Church. After COVID & conflict, Lalibela has welcomed pilgrims, worshippers & tourists again.”