The names of several places in the modern town and the general layout of the rock-cut churches themselves are said to mimic names and patterns observed by Lalibela during the time he spent as a youth in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
Wastan-wastan makudang-kudang genah ring kota modern miwah pidabdab genah gereja-gereja watu punika kabaos nulad wastan miwah mal sané karesepang olih Lalibela selamin dané kantun nguda ring Yerusalem miwah Tanah Suci.