Symbol of a past power, the 11 churches constituting the site of Lalibela, are a masterpiece of monolithic architecture. Carved from the rock, at an altitude of over 2,300 meters, these churches were commissioned by the emperor Lalibela, who wished to erect a new "Jerusalem" in his kingdom. For 800 years, they have represented a high place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. Despite being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this site remains fragile and needs to be protected.