Discover Axum

Dozens of massive stone stelae, including the over 24-meter King Ezana Obelisk, testify to the former power of the Aksumite Empire. The largest, partly destroyed obelisk was once the tallest monolithic structure of antiquity.

According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the biblical Ark of the Covenant is kept in a small chapel next to this church, guarded by a single monk for life. Only the chosen have access to the chapel itself.

The ruins of an ancient palace, legendarily linked to the Queen of Sheba, along with underground burial chambers, offer insight into the former splendor of the Aksumite Empire.

This ancient inscription in three languages — Ancient Greek, Sabaean and Ge'ez — documents King Ezana's conversion to Christianity in the 4th century and is considered one of the region's most important historical sources.

Ethiopian Airlines flies several times daily from Addis Ababa to Axum, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours. Travel by road is also possible but takes considerably longer.

In the Tigray region, Tigrinya is the main language spoken, alongside Amharic as the national language. Some English is often understood at tourist businesses.

October to May during the dry season is best for visiting the open-air archaeological sites.

Axum was the capital of the powerful Aksumite Empire, one of the most important ancient civilizations of Africa, and according to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition is said to house the biblical Ark of the Covenant.