Axum was the capital of the Aksumite kingdom, a major trading power from around the 1st to the 7th century AD. Its Main Stelae Field holds carved granite obelisks up to 33 metres tall, as well as royal tombs and the ruins of palaces.
Ethiopian Orthodox tradition holds that the Ark of the Covenant rests in the Chapel of the Tablet beside the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. Axum is also linked to the legend of the Queen of Sheba, whose “palace” and “bath” can be visited.
Highlights
- Main Stelae Field
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel
- Queen of Sheba's palace ruins
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Highland birdlife
Things to do
- Guided archaeological tour
- Museum visit
- Church visits
Best time to visit
October to March.
Getting there
Fly from Addis Ababa, Lalibela or Gondar.
Experiences in Axum
FAQs about Axum
Can visitors see the Ark of the Covenant?
No — only the guardian monk may enter the chapel. Visitors can see the chapel from outside and visit the neighbouring churches.
