The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are among Ethiopia’s greatest cultural treasures and one of the most iconic heritage sites on the African continent. The complex consists of eleven medieval churches carved directly into volcanic rock. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, Lalibela remains to this day an active place of worship and pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Often described as a 13th-century “New Jerusalem”, the site is traditionally associated with King Lalibela, who sought to create a sacred centre accessible to Ethiopian believers. Protecting Lalibela is a highly complex task. The churches are not conventional buildings standing above ground; they were carved into the living rock, with walls, roofs, columns, windows and passageways forming part of the same geological body. Over the centuries, the site has been exposed to rainfall, erosion, water infiltration, rock weathering and changes in the surrounding environment. Any conservation measure therefore requires a careful balance between engineering, heritage protection, architecture and respect for the site’s ongoing religious use. 

from the meeting with ethiopian partners

The Czech-led study will provide detailed information on the geological, hydrogeological and stability conditions around the churches. Its results will help experts better understand how water moves through and around the site, how the rock mass behaves, and what risks may affect the long-term preservation of the monuments. The findings are also expected to support the technical preparation of future protective measures, including possible sheltering solutions, drainage systems and anchoring options designed to protect the churches from adverse weather conditions. This is particularly important because previous temporary shelters, built above some of the churches, have helped reduce damage caused by rain but cover only part of the site and have raised technical and visual concerns. Any future protective system must therefore be safe, durable and effective, while also preserving the unique appearance, spiritual atmosphere and historical authenticity of Lalibela.

Hydrogeologists on site in Lalibela

A key role in this Czech success has been played by the long-standing presence of Czech experts in Ethiopia, particularly RNDr. Jiří Šíma, Head of the SG Geotechnika Team in Ethiopia. Dr. Šíma has worked on Ethiopian hydrogeology and local geological conditions since the 1980s. His decades of field experience, combined with SG Geotechnika’s technical expertise, represent an important asset in a project where knowledge of local conditions is just as crucial as advanced engineering know-how. The success of SG Geotechnika builds on a strong Czech track record in Ethiopia in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, water resources mapping and development cooperation. It also demonstrates that Czech companies can compete successfully in demanding international projects with global significance. For the Czech Republic, this project is more than a business success. It is an example of how Czech expertise can contribute to the protection of cultural heritage of outstanding value, not only for Ethiopia, but for Africa and the world. 

Připravili: RNDr. Jiří Šíma, přední český hydrogeolog a vedoucí týmu SG Geotechnika v Etiopii a Ing. Roman Plevák, Ph.D., vedoucí sekce obchodu a ekonomické spolupráce na Velvyslanectví ČR v Addis Abebě