Location: Axum
Top Things to do in Axum
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks 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. Ezana Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 1945DJM - Montrose, United Kingdom
These stellar are relics of the past and really worth seeing although I would certainly recommend a guide as this made a big difference. There is also a museum which is very interesting.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. King Bazen's Tomb
9. 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.
10. 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.
