Aksum
Location: Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (i) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(ii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Overview: Aksum is an ancient city located in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Horn of Africa. The city is known for its many archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient palaces, tombs, and churches. The city is also home to many ancient artifacts, such as the obelisks and the Ark of the Covenant, which are believed by many to be kept in the city.
Prominent Features: Aksum is known for its many archaeological sites, including:
The Stelae of Aksum: These towering obelisks, which range in height from 33 to 108 feet, were erected during the Kingdom of Aksum's reign between the 1st and 4th centuries CE. They are made of granite and feature intricate carvings and decorations.
The Tomb of King Kaleb: This tomb, located in Aksum, is believed to be the final resting place of King Kaleb, one of the most powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Aksum.
The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion: This church, located in Aksum, is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The original church was built in the 4th century CE and has since been rebuilt and renovated several times.
History: Aksum was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Horn of Africa. The kingdom was established around the 1st century BCE and lasted until the 10th century CE. During this time, Aksum was a center of trade, culture, and religion. The city was an important hub for trade between the Roman Empire, India, and the Kingdom of Axum. It was also a center of Christianity and is believed to be the first place where the religion was embraced in sub-Saharan Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many archaeological sites in Aksum, such as the Stelae of Aksum and the Tomb of King Kaleb. They can also visit the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion and learn about the history of the Ark of the Covenant.
Fun Fact: The Kingdom of Aksum was the first state in the world to use the image of a living person on its coins.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for most of the archaeological sites in Aksum is 200 Ethiopian birr (approximately 5 USD) per person. The entrance fee for the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is 100 Ethiopian birr (approximately 2.50 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to Aksum is the Aksum Airport, which has regular flights to and from Addis Ababa.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Aksum. The city is connected to other major cities in Ethiopia by a network of highways.
By Public Transport: Visitors can take a bus from Addis Ababa to Aksum, which takes approximately 12 hours. Or Gondar 8-9 hours
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation in Aksum, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular
Next Stop: Simien National Park
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (i) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(ii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Overview: Aksum is an ancient city located in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Horn of Africa. The city is known for its many archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient palaces, tombs, and churches. The city is also home to many ancient artifacts, such as the obelisks and the Ark of the Covenant, which are believed by many to be kept in the city.
Prominent Features: Aksum is known for its many archaeological sites, including:
The Stelae of Aksum: These towering obelisks, which range in height from 33 to 108 feet, were erected during the Kingdom of Aksum's reign between the 1st and 4th centuries CE. They are made of granite and feature intricate carvings and decorations.
The Tomb of King Kaleb: This tomb, located in Aksum, is believed to be the final resting place of King Kaleb, one of the most powerful rulers of the Kingdom of Aksum.
The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion: This church, located in Aksum, is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The original church was built in the 4th century CE and has since been rebuilt and renovated several times.
History: Aksum was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Horn of Africa. The kingdom was established around the 1st century BCE and lasted until the 10th century CE. During this time, Aksum was a center of trade, culture, and religion. The city was an important hub for trade between the Roman Empire, India, and the Kingdom of Axum. It was also a center of Christianity and is believed to be the first place where the religion was embraced in sub-Saharan Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many archaeological sites in Aksum, such as the Stelae of Aksum and the Tomb of King Kaleb. They can also visit the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion and learn about the history of the Ark of the Covenant.
Fun Fact: The Kingdom of Aksum was the first state in the world to use the image of a living person on its coins.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for most of the archaeological sites in Aksum is 200 Ethiopian birr (approximately 5 USD) per person. The entrance fee for the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is 100 Ethiopian birr (approximately 2.50 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: By Plane: The nearest airport to Aksum is the Aksum Airport, which has regular flights to and from Addis Ababa.
By Car: Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Aksum. The city is connected to other major cities in Ethiopia by a network of highways.
By Public Transport: Visitors can take a bus from Addis Ababa to Aksum, which takes approximately 12 hours. Or Gondar 8-9 hours
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation in Aksum, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular
Next Stop: Simien National Park