The area on which the churches are found covers about two square kilometers. The churches were excavated in the red volcanic stuff of mount Abuna Joseph in massive rectangular blocks. Out of these blokes the craftsmen chiseled the ceilings and walls 30 to 50 feet high, floors on varying levels, individual rooms, windows, columns and arches. They surrounded the churches with an extensive system of drainage ditches.

The eleven churches differ widely form each other, yet have certain typical features in common in their magnificent architecture. They are all basilica inform. There is no a piece of wood in all of the construction. The columns which divide the nave and aisles, the altars, the windows the relief and paintings exhibit the fantastic skill of the masons and sculptors.

Some would like to impose Egyptian influence on the rock-hewn churches. But in actual case these churches of Ethiopia bear no resemblance to Egyptian examples. The style of these churches and every element of their detail is essentially Ethiopian and is to be found repeatedly across the centuries in built -up edifices from the Axumite period on ward. There are some hundred other rock-hewn churches known to exist in other parts of Ethiopia they differ totally, not alone in architectural style, but also in being entirely detached, in the majority of cases, from the mountain, and being elaborately shaped both internally and externally. The nearest approximate to the Lalibella churches is said to be the Dravidian temple, the kailas, situated in the Indian village of Ellora in the state of Hyderbad.

The rock- hewn churches of Lalibella have long been one of the most constant source of fascination of all the wonders which Ethiopia offers to world. They are one of world's most incredible man made creations, and lasting monuments to man's faith in God. A Portuguese priest, Francisco Alvarez, who visited the churches in 1520 wrote as follows, "It wearied me to write more of these works, because it seems to me that they will not believe me if I write more, and because as to what I have already written they will accuse me of untruth. Therefore, I swear by God, in whose power I am, that all that is written is the truth and there is much more than I have already written, and I have left it that they may not tax with its being false hood." Even today many tourists say the same thing with Alvarez about the Lalibella churches but using different words.

For visitors who are interested to have a look of more rock- hewn churches the surrounding of Lalibella and Tigray offer many more. Some are situated in inaccessible places so that travel to visit them can be managed by walk, mule and even rope.

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