Beta Giorgis, Lalibela, Ethiopia

3D Model

The spatial documentation of the 13 monolithic rock-hewn churches in Lalibela took place between 2005 and 2009 during 4 field campaigns. Over 1200 terrestrial laser-scans were captured.

This model of Beta Giorgis was created in 2008, from 32 terrestrtial scans.

Here is a link to a newer textured model of Beta Giorgis (created in 2019): https://skfb.ly/6MEDS

Lalibela, one of Ethiopias most holiest cities, is home to a collection of monolithic rock-hewn churches. The churches were built as a representation of Jerusalem in the 1100’s. The churches are carved from soft volcanic rock, some cut into the face of a cliff, while others are isolated structures in deeply carved pits with long access passages or trenches. The earliest carved monuments may not have been churches, but in the 10th and 11th centuries AD sophisticated churches of diverse styles were created, with architectural features that scholars believe originated in ancient Aksum, which flourished up to 800 years previously.