Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia famous for its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches. Unlike traditional buildings, these were not constructed from the ground up but were carved out of solid volcanic tuff rock from the top down. Commissioned by King Lalibela in the 12th century, the project was intended to create a 'New Jerusalem' for those who could not make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The most iconic is Biete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George), which is carved in the shape of a perfect Greek cross. The churches are connected by an extensive system of trenches and tunnels. The engineering required to carve these structures while maintaining drainage systems to prevent flooding remains a marvel of medieval African architecture. They are still an active place of worship and pilgrimage for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.