Formerly known as Roha, Lalibelawas the ancient capital of the Zagüe dynasty. It was built to represent the second Jerusalem, and it is currently the second holy city in the country for the Orthodox Church and one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Ethiopia.

The site is made up of a number of Coptic churches carved out of solid rock ad it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. One of the best known is that of Saint George, which stands at 15 meters high. Lalibela is one of the most special and unique places in the country and is considered to be a very significant architectural feat.