Na'akuto Lab'ab is a monastery built inside a cave about seven kilometres northeast of Lalibela, reachable by road or on foot. It is less visited than the town's own churches and rewards the effort: the cave setting is remarkable, a cathedral-sized natural vault in the cliff face containing a small church and a spring that trickles through the rock floor. The church is said to date from the 13th century, though the current structure has been frequently repaired.
The monastery's small museum is the main draw for non-Orthodox visitors: it holds a collection of processional crosses, illuminated manuscripts, and crowns donated by Ethiopian rulers over the centuries. The items are kept in glass cases and labelled, which is unusual by Ethiopian church standards — most treasuries are viewed by candlelight. The monks are accustomed to visitors and a local guide will explain the provenance of the main pieces. Allow two to three hours for the round trip from Lalibela.