A man sits near a collection of Christian artwork within the church of Bet Medhane Alem (Church of the World Savior) in Lalibela, Ethiopia

africa carving church coptic ethiopia lalibela rock shrine rock hewn monolith volcanic tuff orthodox christian historic religious christianity religion king gebre mesqel 12th century sacred biblical jerusalem inspiration interior inside carved out natural light pilgrimage site volcanic reddish jesus christ tourist attraction tourism iconic ethiopian colorful vibrant tapestries tiles tile carpet prayer bet bete biete medhane painted murals worship hewn monolithic bet medhane alem world savior