Aksum

Site visited in January 2024. Aksum is well covered by the previous reviewers, but since 8 years have passed since the latest review, I decided to add a new one.

Aksum is treated as the true cradle of Ethiopia, both in terms of state and religious power. State, because it was the first great kingdom in these areas, stretching from today's eastern Sudan to the footholds on the Arabian Peninsula. Religious, because Aksum in the 4th century adopted Christianity, which is still the dominant religion in Ethiopia. Aksum is home to the most important church in Ethiopia - the Church of Our Lady of Zion. In fact, there are two churches of this name - the old one, from the 17th century, and the new one, built on the orders of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1965. The old one is located within the monastery, so only men can enter it. The new one is available for women and men. In the Chapel of Tablets built between them, according to the Ethiopian tradition, there is the Ark of the Covenant, brought here supposedly by King Menelik I, son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. No one except monks can enter it. And right next to the Chapel of Tablets there are the ruins of the oldest temple, dating back to the 4th century.

Opposite the church there are monumental ruins with several stelae of incredible size. The largest one, weighing about 520 tons, collapsed (perhaps already at the …

I visited Aksum in March 2016 as part of a trip to Ethiopia. Aksum is the holiest place in Ethiopian Christianity. Every Ethiopian Coptic church has a replica of the Arc of the Covenant which is believed to reside in the city of Aksum. I was there during Lent which allowed me to view many of the processions around the church.

In addition to the holy areas, there are also several ancient obelisks dating back to the Aksum Empire of the 3rd and 4th Century.

Be warned that there is a church on the grounds which is only accessible to men.

Read more about Aksum on my website.

I visited Aksun on several occasions and I always see new elements that broaden my perception about the miracles of ancient human creative genius.For this reason I found Aksum as the best tourist destination area in Ethiopia.

The landscape of Aksum preserve archaeological ruins dating from the early first century AD. The world heritage site of Aksum preserves over 1000 monolithic stelae that may have been tomb marks of the Aksumite elites and middle class Aksumites dating from the second up to the 4th centuries AD. the largest decorated and standing stelae are found in the Main Stelae Field that worth visiting by all. Aksum all preserves ancient palaces dating to the 6th and 7th centuries AD that are locate on the western part of the town. Remains of these palaces are still visible on the surface of the old Aksum town. These palaces are known as Ta'aka Mariam, Endasimon, Endamikael and Dingure palace. In addition there are underground built up and rock cut tombs that are found at the town of Aksum and its outskirts that worth visiting.The best tombs to be visited are the Mausoleum, the Tomb of the Brick Arches, the Tomb of the False Door located in the Main Stelae Field and the Tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskal located 2 km to the north of the town of Aksum.

The Hills that surround the town of Aksum are the best place to be visited. The Hill of Betegiorgis preserves over 1000 monolithic stelae both dressed …

Aksum both surprised and disappointed me when I visited there in June of 2006.

First of all, we saw these tombs that were similar to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, but without the hieroglyphics and ornate carvings. Still, very interesting.

The guide told me that 83% of Aksum was not yet surveyed because of poor funding. British and International archeologists are busy cleaning up sites, digging out tombs and preparing the way for tourists.

Three or four of the sites were not yet open to the public. One opened 2 weeks after I left.

The stelae park was well worth the visit, and in a few years (once again-funding), the stelae that the Italians stole and then gave back will be constructed just like it was in Rome.

Across the street was the church of St. Mary. It is a modern church, but I had the privelege of seeing their enormous 300 year old bible. Fantastic. David Lewis is right, the church where the ark is supposedly held is not so great. Though learning about the controversy is quite interesting. I have researched it and most scholars actually do trace the ark to Ethiopia...but then again, that's only if its still around.

The museum was interesting, but only at 10% capacity (they had about 20 tin sheds on the property chock full of ancient items from the area). The museum is being built behind stelae park.

Our guide took us to some shack far away …

I visited Aksum in February of 2002, and found many wonderful historic sights that I had never heard of before going to Ethiopia. The Stallea park is very interesting and there are many differnt styles, but that is just the start.

Unless you happen to be in the north part of the country, the best way to get to Aksum is by flying. When I was there a flight would cost about 350 Birr, which at the time was less than 100 dollars Canadian (about 65 American Dollars). The flight is about 2 1/2 hours from Addis Abbaba, and as car rental is expensive it is very economical to fly. You can take a bus for about 100-150 Birr but it is a very long drive ( 16-20 hours minimum and very uncomfortable) however I did ride many buses in Ethiopia and you will always be very safe and you will meet many friendly people who love to chat with anyone forign.

Once you arrive at the Airport, you can get a lift into town with one of many hotels. The hotels offer a free shuttle into the town and since you will have to stay somewhere it is best to get a ride with the shuttle as Taxis are quite expensive 30-50 dollars Canadian.

The hotle I stayed at was the Africa hotel and Rooms were around 50 Birr a night which was around 10 Dollars Canadian (6-7 American) The Africa is quite a basic hotel but it is …

The largest standing stele in Aksum I rate definitely as a world-class sight. In a way so simple and so pure. But also so mysterious: how is it possible that a civilization existed here 2000 years ago that was capable of constructing such great monuments?

In and around the center of Aksum, many more remains of the Axumite Empire can be found. It's a bit like walking around in Greece - ruins scattered here and there. There is the Queen of Sheba's Bath, King Ezana's stone, and King Kalebs Palace.

Another interesting thing to see in Aksum is the old St. Mary of Zion Church. Though not open to women, you can sit in the adjoining park and watch daily religious life go by.