The eleven Churches at Lalibela are clustered in two major groups, one representing the earthly Jerusalem, and the other representing the heavenly Jerusalem.

The “House of Mary” or Sainte Marie is part of the group of six churches representing the earthly Jerusalem located to the north west and stands adjacent to Biete Medhane Alem.

King Gebre Meskel Lalibela favoured this Church because of its richly decorated paintings and sculptures.