Lalibela is often referred to as the “New Jerusalem” of Africa. One of the legends is that an angel took the Emperor of Lalibela to Jerusalem to see the churches there. Struck with wonder, upon returning to Lalibela, the Emperor built his own New Jerusalem so that pilgrims wouldn’t have to make the dangerous and long journey to the true Jerusalem. No matter if the legend is true, pilgrims continue to journey to Lalibela each year where they receive the same blessings as those pilgrims who travel to Jerusalem.