Journey to Axum, a city steeped in ancient history and spiritual significance, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Here, amidst the dramatic Adwa Mountains, lies the cradle of the Aksumite Empire, a powerful civilization that once ruled a vast kingdom. Explore the remnants of this glorious past, where towering obelisks, some of the world’s largest, pierce the sky, silent witnesses to a bygone era.
Marvel at the colossal stelae, intricately carved monuments that mark the graves of Aksumite royalty. Imagine the grandeur of the Great Stele, a fallen giant that hints at the empire’s architectural prowess. Witness the return of the Obelisk of Axum, a symbol of Ethiopian identity, after decades abroad. These majestic structures offer a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and artistic achievements of the Aksumites.
Beyond the stelae, discover the spiritual heart of Ethiopia at the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. This sacred site, rebuilt over centuries, is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, making it a place of pilgrimage and profound religious importance. Explore the old and new cathedrals, each with its own story to tell, and the Chapel of the Tablet, a sanctuary shrouded in mystery.
Axum is more than just an archaeological site; it is a living city, where history intertwines with modern life. Stroll through its streets, soak up the atmosphere and connect with the local culture. Discover the archaeological and ethnographic museums, the Ezana Stone written in Sabaean, Geʽez and Ancient Greek similar to the Rosetta stone, the Tomb of King Bazen (a megalith considered one of the oldest structures), the so-called Bath of the Queen of Sheba (actually a reservoir), the 4th-century Ta’akha Maryam and the 6th-century Dungur Palaces. Axum invites you to travel through time, to experience the magic of a city that shaped the destiny of a nation.
