 According to custom, a rova's foundation was always elevated relative to the surrounding village.The compound also always featured a "kianja" (central courtyard) marked by a "vatomasina" (tall sacred stone) where the sovereign would stand to deliver "kabary" (royal speeches or decrees).Contained within the rova was at least one "lapa" (royal palace or residence) as well as the "fasana" (tomb) of one or more of the site's founders.