Our original Lalibela itinerary called for us to visit the church of Asheton Maryam, which involves a steep trail and a mule ride. We decided against this in the end, both so we'd have time to visit the school and because we were a little nervous about riding on mules. Wonde, our guide, suggested the nearby Monastery of Nakuta La'ab instead, which was definitely worth a visit.
If I recall correctly, Nakuta La'ab was the successor to King Lalibela in the Zagwe dynasty which ruled from Lalibela (then called Roha). In the above photo you can see the setting of the monastery.
The monastery is partly open to the air. It's basically built inside a cave.
Nakuta La'ab is known for its holy water which drips from the cave ceiling. These basins were once stones that have been gradually hollowed out by centuries of drip, drip, drip. Wonde told us that this water is supposed to be effective for curing infertility.
The priest showed us some of the monastery's treasures, including crosses, crowns...
... and beautiful illustrated manuscripts. I cringe a little at the non-temperature-regulated storage conditions, but it is amazing to see these priceless books up close.
As we climbed back up to meet our driver, Ellie made friends with a little goat who scampered up the slope beside us.
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