In Ethiopia, there are the most peculiar churches in the world near the village Lalibela. They have been hewn from the rocks, deeply into the ground and are entirely hidden from view from a distance. There are 12 churches and chapels, of which four are entirely free from the rock. Most well-known are Bet Medhane, Bet Maryam and Bet Giorgis. Local legends say that these churches were built by King Lalibel as a direct assignment from God. He was helped by angels, and managed to complete the task in less than 24 years. All that would have taken place around 1200 AD.