Ancient Kingdom · Tigray
Axum
Where history still has a presence.
- Best Time
- Oct – Mar
- Suggested Stay
- 1 – 2 days
- Altitude
- About 2,100 m
- Region
- Tigray
Why We Go
Before the modern map, there was Axum.
Axum was the heart of a powerful kingdom positioned between Africa, Arabia and the wider ancient world. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site and describes it as the centre of the Aksumite civilisation, whose trade connected northeastern Africa with the Red Sea and beyond.
The stelae are the city’s signature. The tallest still standing, King Ezana’s, is about 21 metres high. The Great Stele, 33 metres long and around 520 tonnes, probably fell and broke as it was being raised and still lies where it fell.
The 24-metre Obelisk of Axum, carved in the 4th century with false doors and windows, was taken to Rome in 1937 during the Italian occupation. It came home in three pieces in April 2005 and was re-erected in 2008, a moment of national celebration.
Axum is also the spiritual heart of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church: the church of St Mary of Zion is, by tradition, the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. We do not want you to simply photograph the monuments. We want you to understand why they are there.
Highlights
- The Northern Stelae Park, including the 24 m Obelisk of Axum
- The fallen Great Stele: 33 m long and about 520 tonnes
- King Ezana’s stele and royal tombs
- The church of St Mary of Zion
- Guided historical interpretation
Access in Tigray
Axum is in Tigray, where access can change. We confirm current conditions before quoting a route that includes it.
Expeditions Including Axum
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Axum into your journey
Tell us what you are curious about, what you want to photograph and how slowly or quickly you want to travel. We build the journey around you and confirm current conditions for your dates.
Speak With a Designer
Your Ethiopia should not feel like someone else’s itinerary
Ask about road conditions, the season or what a day here is really like. You will get a straight answer from the team that runs the route.
Or call us directly on +251 956 61 6969