The Bete Medhane Alem is one of the 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, and is estimated to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. The church measures 33.5m by 23.5m, and is approximately 11.5m high, and surrounded by 34 rectangular columns. The church houses three empty graves which are rumoured to have been symbolically prepared for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the famous 7kg gold Lalibela Cross.