Lalibela, intended to be a “New Jerusalem”, has been a major pilgrimage site for followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for centuries. This expansive religious complex is traditionally dated to the rule of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty, 12th to 13th century, who is said to have carved the 11 churches over a period of 24 years with the assistance of angels, while scholars contend that the complex was constructed in four or five phases between the 7th and 13th centuries.
Out of several hundred rock hewn churches found in Ethiopia, Bet Emanuel is one of the most finely carved examples. It has been suggested to have been the royal family’s private chapel and is thought to be one of the older churches in Lalibela.
The church is 18 by 12 meters, and 12 meters in height, follows a basilical layout, and features a staircase leading to an upper gallery, as well as a subterranean tunnel leading to the neighbouring church of Bet Mercurios. The entire structure is carved from a single block of basaltic rock, carved from the top down using little more than chisels and adzes. The carved windows, doors, arches, vaults, columns, and alternating bands of recessed and projecting horizontal surfaces closely mimic the classic Aksumite architecture of the preceding era, perhaps in a bid to legitimize the new dynasty.
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