Lindwurm

Lindwurm (リンドブルム), known as the "Sacred Land" (聖地) is one of the holy sites of Divine Teachings, the most popular religion in the world, and is where the Demon Diablos's left arm was sealed in the Sanctuary protected by the hero Olivier. The city was under the influence of the Cult of Diablos, under Nelson.

History
Lindwurm is a famous city which is one of the holy sites of the most widespread religion of this world, the Divine Teachings. It is a monotheistic religion that believes in the Goddess Beatrix, the one who granted powers to heroes in the legends and that she’s the one true deity.

Plus, Lindwurm has a battle event called "Goddess's Trial" which is held every once a year on the day when the doors to the Sanctuary are open where all warriors around the world applies to participate for a fight as a challenger against the memories of ancient warriors in duels to prove their worth by answering their call to summons any warriors spirit that are awoken.

Background
In the past, Olivier cut off Diablos' left arm and then sealed it into the Sanctuary in Lindwurm by the Cult of Diablos. Nelson and his colleagues conducted research to create a drug that could grant immortality called the Tears of Diablos. However, the effect it gave could only delay aging for one year and the amount produced was only the 12 pills that were each year given out by the "Knights of Rounds".

The Cult are make a battle event in Lindwurm called the "Goddess's Trial" when they open the door to the Sanctuary every once a year where all challengers from the world come to fight against the memories of ancient warriors. There are several hundred challengers enter each year, but only about ten end up actually getting to fight as usually the ancient warrior is a little stronger than the challenger and they might not necessarily respond the challengers call.

Ten years ago, the "Wandering Swordsman" Venom managed to summon Olivier, but he lost to him. At some point after that, Venom become Nelson's subordinate and joined the Cult as their "Executioner".

Location
Lindwurm is relatively close located in Midgar Kingdom's eastern region, adjacent to the Abyss Woods and to get there from Midgar Academy in royal capital to the Sacred Land takes about four days by using carriage (two days on train in the anime).

Layout
Lindwurm is home to a massive church that looks like it’s been carved directly out of the mountain, and the townscape laid out below it has whitewashed buildings. The main street running through the town is swarming with tourists, and it ends in a long set of stairs leading directly to the church.

Lindwurm has also developed into a major city second only to the Midgar Kingdom since the construction of the reservoir dam, which maximized its abundant water resources. The dam's development also consisted of improving the Sacred Land's water and sewage systems and building multiple aqueducts throughout the city.

As a result, there are an increased number of small and large underground facilities at an accelerating rate to the point where no one could keep track on all of them.

Trivia

 * A lindworm (worm meaning snake), also spelled lindwyrm or lindwurm, is a mythical creature was said to live in the forest in northern and central European folklore, traditionally having the form of a gigantic snake monster.  It can be seen as a kind of dragon.
 * In the anime, before starting the Trial, Nelson steps on a hidden switch at his feet to activate the barrier. At the time when Cid summoned Aurora, Nelson said, "I haven't moved it yet," suggesting that the Cult of Diablos can control whether or not to summon the warrior spirit.