Big Bible, Axum, Tigrae, Ethiopia

Axum

Situated in the far north of the historic circuit, this fascinating town is Ethiopia’s most ancient capital and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Once part of a huge empire which reached across the Red Sea, Axum holds many treasures.

The Ark of the Covenant, one of the most precious relics of the Judeo-Christian tradition is said to be housed in a small church compound in town, watched over and attended by a priest who has dedicated his life to tending it. A few yards from the church is a field of stone stelae, said to be the largest single pieces of standing stone in the world.

Time spent in Axum typically includes a visit to the Axum Museum, the Stelae Field, the castle of King Kaleb, King Basen’s tomb, Mai Shum (the baths of the Queen of Sheba) and the Mariamtsion Church.

Experiences

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Big Bible, Axum, Tigrae, Ethiopia

Explore Axum’s History

Visit palace ruins and burial grounds in Axum. Visit the legendary baths of the Queen of Sheba.

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Aksumite Empire Ruins, Axum, Ethiopia

Ancient Stelae

See the colossal rock stelae, for which Axum is famous.

Suggested Holiday Idea

View over Axum, Ethiopia

Discover Axum

Learn about Ethiopia’s ancient capital and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Suggested Holiday Idea

The Chapel of the Tablet, Axum, Ethiopia

The Ark of the Covenant

Visit a small church that is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, one of Christianity’s most precious relics. It is watched over by a priest who has dedicated his life to this task.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Landscape, Gheralta Lodge, Tigray
Gheralta Lodge, Ethiopia

Gheralta Lodge

Located in the heart of the Historic Route, between Axum and Mekele, Gheralta Lodge is a comfortable and friendly base from which to explore this scenically beautiful area.

The lodge has great views over the Gheralta Mountains and its bungalow rooms are tastefully decorated in Tigray style. Owned and run by an Italian couple, the restaurant serves up hearty Italian food with ingredients grown on site.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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