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AXUM Ethiopia
The original capital of Ethiopia, Axum was once a hugely influential city back in the days of the Axumite empire. Its glory days are long gone, but the relics that remain from that time are fascinating, and it’s one of the most culturally significant regions of Ethiopia.
Axum Historical Tour – Explore Ethiopia’s Ancient Kingdom
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, Axum is as sacred as Jerusalem, as old as Rome, and as historically rich as Constantinople. The Axum historical tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient civilization and Christian heritage.
Capital of the Aksumite Empire
Axum once served as the capital of the powerful Aksumite Kingdom , a dominant trade empire that flourished for over a thousand years before the rise of Islam. Its influence stretched from the Sudanese Nile across the Red Sea into present-day Yemen. Today, visitors can walk among:
- Ruined palaces and ancient mausoleums
- Granite obelisks and megalithic stone structures
- Historic churches and archaeological relics
- Ancient coins, manuscripts, and museum displays
Church of St. Mary of Zion & The Ark of the Covenant
Axum is considered the beacon of Ethiopian Christianity. The legendary Cathedral of Tsion Maryam (St. Mary of Zion), built in the 4th century, is Ethiopia’s oldest church and was modeled after Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Though destroyed in the 10th century, its foundations remain visible today. The 17th-century replacement built by Emperor Fasilidas still stands, featuring a beautifully painted interior.
Nearby, the sacred Chapel of the Tablet is believed to house the Biblical Ark of the Covenant, said to have been brought to Ethiopia by Emperor Menelik I, son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.
Book your Axum historical tour today and experience Ethiopia’s ancient legacy up close.
The Stelae Field – A Wonder of Ancient Engineering
Opposite the church lies the Stelae Field, home to the tallest standing stone structures from the ancient world. These granite obelisks are engineering marvels:
- The tallest stela, attributed to King Remhai, originally stood 33 meters before collapsing.
- Two still-standing stelae reach 25 and 23 meters—equal to a 10-story building.
Axum Archaeological Museum
The Axum Archaeological Museum offers visitors a look into Ethiopia’s ancient past, including:
- 3rd-century Aksumite coins
- Imported glassware from Egypt
- Religious and royal artifacts
Other Notable Sites Around Axum
- May Shum – Also known as the Queen of Sheba’s pool
- Dongar Palace – Ruins of a pre-Christian palace
- Trilingual Tablet – Inscribed in Sabaean, Ge’ez, and Greek by King Ezana
- Tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel – 6th-century royal burial sites
Why Choose Our Axum Historical Tour?
- Expert local guides who know the legends, history, and hidden corners
- Access to churches, museums, and heritage sites with proper context
- Flexible itinerary and custom options for culture lovers and history buffs
Book your Axum historical tour today and experience Ethiopia’s ancient legacy up close.
Axum Highlights
Axum stands as one of Ethiopia’s most culturally rich and historically significant cities. Once the heart of a powerful empire, it’s home to the famous Stelae Field, where granite obelisks rise skyward — some over 2,000 years old. These monuments earned Axum its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Though quieter and less developed than other towns in the north, Axum’s key sites — including its ancient churches and imperial relics — can be explored in a single afternoon. Most visitors pass through briefly, often en route to the rock-hewn churches of Tigray or the otherworldly Danakil Depression.
Exploring the City
Axum stands as one of Ethiopia’s most culturally rich and historically significant cities. Once the heart of a powerful empire, it’s home to the famous Stelae Field, where granite obelisks rise skyward — some over 2,000 years old. These monuments earned Axum its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Though quieter and less developed than other towns in the north, Axum’s key sites — including its ancient churches and imperial relics — can be explored in a single afternoon. Most visitors pass through briefly, often en route to the rock-hewn churches of Tigray or the otherworldly Danakil Depression.
DISCOVER THE CITY WITH EASE
ACCOMODATION
Most visitors spend just one night in Axum — just enough time to see the stelae, visit the ancient churches, and soak in the city’s deep historical energy before moving on. Accommodation is pretty basic, so don’t expect luxury… but the history more than makes up for it…
OBLISK OF AXUM
The Obelisks of Axum are massive granite pillars carved over 1,700 years ago, standing as ancient tomb markers for royalty. The tallest still standing reaches 24 meters and showcases the Axumite Empire’s engineering brilliance. These iconic structures are the heart of Axum’s historic legacy.
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