Wkro Mariam is a monolithic rock-hewn church about eight kilometres north of Lalibela, carved from a limestone cliff overlooking a valley. It is smaller and less elaborate than the famous eleven churches in the town but has a graceful simplicity that many visitors find preferable to the more crowded main complex. The facade is carved with blind windows, decorative arches, and a large cross in relief — all executed with considerable skill.
The church is thought to date from the 12th or 13th century, roughly contemporary with the Lalibela complex. It can be reached by a short drive from town and a brief walk; a local guide is useful for navigation and introductions with the church's custodians. Visiting Wkro Mariam is worth doing on a second day in Lalibela, when the main complex has been seen and you want to explore the broader landscape of rock-cut architecture in the Lasta region.