Location: Axum
Top Things to do in Axum
The 10 Best Things to do in Axum, Tigray Region
Axum or Aksum (Tigrinya: ኣኽሱም Ak̠ʷsəm, Amharic: አክሱም Ak̠sum) is a city in the northern part of Ethiopia. The town has a population of 56,500 residents (2010) and is governed as an urban wäräda.
Restaurants in Axum
1. Arabtu Ensessa Church
2. Northern Stelae Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Starelenas - Orlando, United States
I arrived in Axum by myself. I met Mulugeta- my tour guide where my adventure started. It was an experience after experience. Did you know that the Queen of Sheba used to reside in that area? As well as one of the wise man that visited baby Jesus? I wouldn’t have been able to see all that without Mulugeta. He helped me not only with tourism, but also when I was sick and needed medications. He brought me to a religious procession at 5am in the morning free of charge in order to appreciate more their culture and it was the procession of the Ark, where approximately 2000 people dressed in white robes with candles in their hands. They surrounded a replica of the Ark of the Covenant singing and praising the Lord. It was a deep act of dedication. For contact, this is Mulugeta’s watsup number +251 91 339 5845 I had an incredible time digging into Ethiopia’s rich history. Thank you!
3. The Ruins of Aksum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 308 reviews
The remains of once powerful royal capital contain impressive tombs and stelae.
Reviewed By raym12345 - London, United Kingdom
Sometimes people skip over Axum but it's a fascinating place, especially at the start or end of a northern ethiopia adventure. We had a fantastic weekend visit to Axum, organized by our guide Berhanu. The stellae are very impressive and just opposite you can go inside the beautiful cathedral/church built by the emperor. Axum and surroundings have a huge amount of history to explore including the oldest standing building in sub-Saharan Africa (Yeha monastery). Definitely well worth getting a guide who speaks good English to explain what the archaeologists think, and also what the local people believe. Berhanu also brought us to a great cultural restaurant and dance show, definitely ask for the lamb shakla tibs (probably the best we had in Ethiopia)! We have used Berhanu for many other trips and would definitely recommend him to organize a stress free trip! His number on WhatsApp is +251 91 486 1090, and he now has his own company organizing tours across Ethiopia.
4. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By snowythepyro - London, United Kingdom
In contrast to the ancient (and ancient-looking) churches of elsewhere in Ethiopia, this is a modern beauty. Bright, airy and still with colourful murals, this is a relatively huge space for worship.
5. Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By hawalom - Freeport, United States
An amazing history here but a lot more needs to be uncovered. There is a tale of a tunnel from this location to Israel...WOW if it is really true. If not impressed by the site, at a minimum you can enjoy the beautiful view of Adwa and Eritrea mountains in the distance. A guided tour is recommended. Guides can be found in their office next to the Stetae park in town. Make sure you get the guides that operate in a group not the once who operate individually. Individual tour guides will charge you more.
6. King Ezana's Inscription
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By nicolebD4275JL - Basel, Switzerland
As part of the tour through Aksum, this tablet holds a special historical meaning. It is proof that the ancient people here spoke three languages: Greek, Ge’ez, and Saabean.
7. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 100 reviews
This church is rumored to be the hiding place of the biblical "Lost Ark."
Reviewed By felicityi2017 - Nassau, Caribbean
This blessed, holy church built by Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen deserves all the investment it can get. The spiritual aspect of Axum must be reserved. I loved it so much I was baptised here.
8. Chapel of the Tablet
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By pisumcorporum
Whatever your views on the presence or otherwise of the ark, they are of no consequence. You should always remember that for the Ethiopian, this is a fact, and you should not be so boorish as to disagree. This is a truly holy place in Ethiopia, and although, (like everyone else) I might like to look inside, I was content to be able to think about it, and its relevance today.
9. Queen of Sheba Palace
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Abu_Firas_11 - Doha, Qatar
Believed to be the Palace of Queen of Sheba, who got married to King Solomon in Jerusalem. Great construction. Still a lot to be discovered. 52 rooms and apartments, kitchen or a place with a huge oven. Drainage system and a place for bath. Remnants of pillars can be seen.
10. Queen of Sheba's Bath
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By martham869
I always wonder if the Bath of Saba was as mudy as it is now back on the days when she was rulling.Was she taking bath here for real?or was it just named after her.There is no much written about Queen Saba/Nigiste Saba/ Bath.But much is said by the local people which happens to be tranfered by words of mouth from generation to generation.It is believed that there are demons inside the bath who happen to kill mankind every year.It is sad but true that someone drown every year.And I know by word of mouth that my Great great grand mother did drown and she was saved miraclously.My Grand mother is a living evidence.It is known by Granny and people around that her Grand Mother was lucky enough to be saved miraclously.She told me that her Grand Mother did drown while she was trying to fetch water.She fail to the Bath while she was trying to carry her pot.And her friends who happen to fetch water with her run to her step mother and told her what happened.Local divers did search for her body but she was no where to be found.And her neighbors run to St.Mariam church and inform the priests.After a prayer sign was shown/ bubble/ on where she was located.The divers find her body.She was presumed dead for her body was found after 12 hours.And all the neighbors were in her house crying.My great grand mother was living with her father who loved her somuch and her step mother.The day my Great Grand Ma drown was the day her dad cames from market.Her step mam inform the neighbors that the body of her step daughter to be in her neighbor house till her father came and settle down.Because her father adore his daughter so much he was asking where his daughter is from the minute he gets home."Layeshey abey ala?" Meaning" where is Layesh?"he keeps on asking and his wife keep on saying she went to their neghbor to bring some stuff.Her father keep on asking where Layesh is and it is at that time that Layesh start to scream.And all the nebours start to thank God through /Elilta/ and rejoice.Her father runs where he heard her voice.After she came to her senses she told people around that she heard avoice asking Why did you bring her here?She had alot of seed to give.And she said that she was placed in a huge pan through out the day.Because her dad was terrified by the incident he decide that she lives with her aunt.And after her marriage she gave birth to eight kids. Last time I was in Aksum for Maria/August/the bath of Saba was so full due to the rain,the streams and ponds above it.Locals use it as swimming pool,to fetch water and clean their cloth.It gets dry on the dry season there you can see a cover for a hole.It is said that if the cover of this hole opens the water could ruin the hole Aksum.I always wonder what really could happens if that cover is removed.Will it distroy Aksum for real or will it uncover the undiscovered?
