【Forbidden】15 of the World’s Most Restricted Areas

No.1: Church of the Ark of the Covenant (Ethiopia)

Within the ancient city of Axum in northern Ethiopia stands a modest chapel on the grounds of St. Mary of Zion Church. It is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant—the sacred chest said to contain the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.

Remarkably, only one monk in the entire world is permitted to set eyes on the Ark. This guardian monk dedicates his entire life to prayer and solitude beside the Ark, never leaving his post. According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, no one—no matter how high-ranking—may view the relic or enter the chapel. As a result, no scientific studies or verifications have ever been conducted, leaving the question of the Ark’s authenticity shrouded in mystery. For the faithful, however, the Church of the Ark remains an extraordinarily holy site, forever a Mythical Sanctuary beyond reach.