A monolithic church is a church made from a single block of stone. They are usually hewn into the ground or into the side of a hill or mountain and can be of comparable architectural complexity to constructed buildings.

Lalibela

The term primarily refers to the complex of eleven churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia believed to have been created in the 12th century, the most famous of which is the cross-shaped Church of St. George. Spurious tales that the Lalibela churches were constructed

Four other churches in northern Ethiopia were hewn from the rock during the Zagwe dynasty.

Other churches

However, there are a number of monolithic churches elsewhere in the world, such as:

Bulgaria

• the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo near Ruse

France

• St. Jean Church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, dating from the 12th century
• Saint-Roman abbey in Beaucaire, Gard
• Church in Saint-Émilion

Germany

• the small Church of the Rock (Felsenkirche) in Idar-Oberstein

See also

• Cave monastery
• Monolith

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