Please be aware that the so called "guides" will try all tricks to get money from you, including telling you that you cannot view the church inside unless you tip them. You can buy a ticket from the entrance to access all parts of the church. The guides are a scam.

I was disappointed very much by the behavior of some officials at this church. There is an entrance fee for the Arc of the Convenant museum which is currently in dec 2024 set at 1000ETB, which seems like and outrageous price. The ticket for historical museum (includes 7 sites) was 850. But anyway regardless of the money the people were literally kicking me out of the park surrounding the church, being very hostile. Otherwise I usually encounter kindness in Ethiopia but this was the first time I faced such strong opinions and it left a very negative feeling. Other than that the building seems nice.

The site is a remarkable destination, featuring a beautiful architectural masterpiece that is part of a larger compound steeped in history and spirituality. At its heart is the iconic Saint Mary of Zion Church, a revered location that holds great significance in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The older Saint Mary of Zion Church, which is traditionally open only to male visitors, is an integral part of the complex, exuding an aura of ancient devotion and timeless sanctity. One of the most intriguing aspects of this site is a smaller, enigmatic structure within the compound, which, according to Ethiopian tradition, is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. This belief adds a profound sense of mystery and reverence to the location, drawing visitors from around the world who are captivated by the legend of this sacred relic. In addition to the spiritual allure, the compound features a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the Axumite Dynasty. This museum is a treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts, showcasing an impressive collection of intricately crafted crowns, ornate crosses, ceremonial garments, and beautifully preserved manuscripts. Each item tells a story of Ethiopia's illustrious past, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious heritage of the region. Whether you're drawn by faith, history, or curiosity, this site offers a unique and unforgettable experience that connects you to the heart of Ethiopia's spiritual and cultural legacy.

Such a soul healing place. You should visit this place. Can't explain how peaceful it is to be here.

The Axum Tsion St. Mary Church is a historic and significant church located in Axum, Ethiopia. It is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Ethiopia and is an important pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The church is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, which is a sacred relic believed to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Axum Tsion St. Mary Church is an important cultural and religious site in Ethiopia and attracts visitors from around the world.

Axum city is one of the most holiest and historic place in Ethiopia . The city is beautiful and descent with a lot of things to see during your stay.

DescriptionAksum is a city in northern Ethiopia. It's known for its tall, carved obelisks, relics of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. Most are in the northern Stelae Park, including a huge fallen pillar, now in pieces. Centuries-old St. Mary of Zion is a Christian church and pilgrimage site believed to have housed the biblical Ark of the Covenant. The neighboring Chapel of the Tablet is said to contain the Ark today. Yekenyeley

If you need human proof to believe in YHWH, Yeshua and the word of them then you are lost, Faith isn't just believing it is knowing within your soul, don't doubt because human says yes or no, believe in the one who created us and everything he does, that is the Law. The Ark is there, and it would not be this big bright shiny place, because YHWH wanted it protected and kept away from humans, YHWH already knowing how Humans are. Let it come to pass when God wants. That's why the Angels and his special power guard it. It is not a battery. It actually holds the Ten Commandments; Aarons staff and a substance that is edible which was fed to the Israelites on their journey with Moses.

It was a beautiful place to visit and I guess the monk that guards the Ark was in a good mood because he let me get a peek of the Ark but no pictures allowed

Take time to drink in the place of safekeeping for the ten commandments

If this is real, then it deserves more than five stars considering the fact the the Presence of God was with the Israelites through this thing.

One of, if not the most holy locations on the planet for Christians and Jews.

The 'Lost' Ark of The Covenant is no more 'Lost', it's here in Axum, in the birthplace of Ethiopia civilization.

Uno's were is the ark of the covenant were keept to be found

Still need research but everyone must have to see because one of the best archeologycal Discovery

The complexity of these ancient ruins is amazing. Our excellent tour guide showed us the central hall where guests were received, the kitchen where the ambasha bread was baked, and a shower area where the water flowed in and out of the room through channels. There is some skepticism among archaeologists that the ruins are old enough to date to Queen Sheba's time, but now it is believed that there are older ruins under the existing palace.

Nice historical/ archeological site a short drive from center of Axum. Important to have a guide to go there as otherwise would be difficult to understand and appreciate the site. There's also a small viewing platform to get a better view of the palace ruins.

Interesting ruins of a huge mansion claimed to be the palace of Queen Sheba.

Not that much huge place, but there are several precised point which we can understand what the place is.

It truly is an amazing site. Worth visiting Axum. Its strange though that queen Sheba's bath is a little distance from here Place. Makes we wonder if its really her palace. Just an amateur thing put loud. Lol

We walked there. It's not far from town. On the way we played football with some boys. The palace itself is very nice and peaceful. Wonderful brickwork. And wonderful surrounding view. We chilled there for a bit away from the chaos of town and ate some fruit. Then we walked back and played football again.

Amazing history, wonderful reminder of an Ethiopian past. However the attempt by guides to trick you into tipping them spoils the wonderful experience. You do not need a guide!

The Axum Obelisk is awe-inspiring—its height, detailed carvings, and cultural weight are unforgettable. On the downside, some areas lacked clear signage, and a few stelae nearby need preservation. Still, contextual history and locally available guides made the visit meaningful and definitely worth it.

Hawelti or Obelisk is found at the old town of Axum and those giant obelisks were transported by the Axumite people using elephants from 5km west of Axum Gobo dura and erected at the main Stelea showing the power , architecture and tombs of kings and nobleman . I like it so much the history , some how excavated but mostly not discovered . I proud by the people who made it and their endless civilization .

Axum (also spelled Aksum) is a town in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia with a population of 66,900 residents (as of 2015). It was the capital of the ancient Aksumite Empire, which was a major power in East Africa and South Arabia from the 1st to the 8th centuries AD. The Aksumite Empire was a major trading power, and Axum was a hub for trade between Africa, Arabia, and the Greco-Roman world. The empire also played an important role in the spread of Christianity in Africa. Axum is home to a number of important archaeological sites, including: The Stelae Field, which contains a number of massive stone obelisks, some of which are over 30 meters tall. The Tombs of the Kings, which are a series of underground tombs that were used by Aksumite royalty. The Queen of Sheba's Palace, which is a large ruined building that is thought to have been the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Axum is also home to the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, which is one of the most important holy sites in Ethiopian Christianity. In 1980, Axum was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Axum is a significant site for both its historical and religious importance. It is a reminder of the power and influence of the Aksumite Empire, and it is a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world.

The 'obelisk' or stele[a] is a stone pillar acting as marker for underground burial chamber for a king or noble man. The Obelisk of Axum is a 4th-century CE, 24-metre tall phonolite stele, weighing 160 tonnes decorated with multi-story false windows and false doors. There are also other smaller steles at the site as well as many burial chambers that allowed entry.

These ancient pillars were erected for kings and noble men upon there passing. The taller the pillar the more power they possesed. Under each structure lies the tomb with different levels for the passing of other family members. As you can see some of the stone structures have fallen and on them are symbols that bears meaning of greatness and possible guiding the dead to great place. Its an amazing site.

There are about 20 stelae (obelisks) of all sizes in the park, all erected around the 4th century AD. The largest one is 33 metres tall and probably fell to the ground just after having been erected, according to sources. I somewhere read that it is the largest one-piece object ever made by human beings and then moved. It weighs 520 tons. That is as much as a Boeing A380, the largest aircraft available, fully loaded! One understands that the Axumite kingdom must have been a 'great' civilization, as they say. A visit to the park is fairly quickly done. Tickets must be bought at the official ticket office five minutes down the street (100 birr). Outside of the park there are many guides who offer their services.

'Ezana Stone' or "Ezana's Inscription" is a "stele" or stone monument from the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, which was centered in the Horn of Africa, and it is considered to be the Ethiopian equivalent to the Rosetta Stone. It was made under the order of King Ezana, who ruled between 330 and 356 AD, to show his gratitude to God by immortalising some of his victories and his conversion to Christianity in a rock written in three languages: Ge'ez, Greek and Sabean. What makes it special is that it confirms not only the linguistic coincidence of the three, but that it demonstrates that there was a deep interaction of this nation and different cultures. For those who appreciate history and archeology, it is a very interesting visit, but it lacks informational panels and better surrounding conditions that help to understand the importance of this finding made by three local peasants. I was in awe, but i f you do not find an old piece of rock interesting, better save the time.

Neat stop to see what I think of as the Ethiopian version of the Rosetta Stone! Visited on a Yonas Tiku Tour and loved how it’s sitting in a small shed in the farmers field where they found it.

This inscription contains one important message in three languages of the bygone Aksum time. The first Christian king has a lot to say about his kingdom,God and his people.

The 3 languages on the stone of Aksum period were very impressive.

Extremely important monument of Ethiopian History. Must see object in Axum

Historic stone inscriptions that tells a lot on the old days of King Ezana times.

Very helpful and informative article

Visiting King Kaleb's Palace in Axum was a fascinating journey into Ethiopia's ancient history. The site, believed to be the ruins of a 6th-century royal complex, offers a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the Axumite Empire. Wandering through the remains of the palace, with its stone walls and carefully laid foundations, you can almost imagine the grandeur it once held. The setting is serene, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, adding to the charm of the experience. The guides at the site were knowledgeable, providing insights into King Kaleb’s reign and the significance of Axum as a center of power and trade. This visit was a wonderful way to connect with Ethiopia's rich historical legacy and a must-see for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

The tombs are nice and the view is beautiful, but the group of kids who followed and harassed us all the way up definitely ruined the mood

The underground tunnels. He charged 5 USD to show me something that lasted for 40 sec lol 😂😅😅😅

Very unique spot to visit . Amazing part of history.

Well preserved site

unforgettable place

Interesting to see

The ful (beans) for breakfast are heavenly. They are a bit hard to find as you have to enter the building right next to the bank and climb a flight of stairs to the first floor. There’s a nice balcony to sit on and watch the traffic pass by. Prices are the same for foreigners as for locals, which I appreciate.

The food here is decent but the service is incredibly slow, even by Ethiopian standards. Good value for the price point.

This place is named after Yodit Gudit destroyed the stelae

Spectacular Ancient History.

(Translated by Google) Completely abandoned, it is located in the middle of some cultivated fields, although it is opposite the palace of the Queen of Sheba and is easy to get to. (Original) Totalmente abandonado, se encuentra en medio de unos campos de cultivo, aunque está enfrente del palacio de la reina de Saba y es fácil de llegar.

(Translated by Google) An area far from the capital (Original) منطقة بعيدة عن العاصمة

Senafe

(Translated by Google) One of the most interesting visits to the city: the museum of the Sainte-Marie de Sion Church. A mine of treasures, filled with objects linked to the Aksumite empire and successive Emperors (imperial silver crowns weighing 1.5 to 3kg, horse saddles, old church umbrellas, Aksumite crosses, fabrics used to cover the Ark of the Covenant, royal garments inlaid with silver details, priests' drums...). Unfortunately, these objects are poorly presented, piled on top of each other, without enough light to highlight them (same as Lalibel). The explanations are very summary, when there is just nothing or everything written in Tigrigna. Allow 15-20 minutes to see everything clearly, but it's definitely worth it! I hope that the entry fee of 200 birrs ($6) per person can serve to better highlight these wonders, the most interesting to see in Aksum (especially since women cannot enter the church even opposite) . We'll tell you right away: photos are prohibited and items must be placed in a locker. Entrance is by going down a small staircase on the other side of the entrance. (Original) L’une des plus intéressantes visites de la ville: le musée de l’Eglise Sainte-Marie de Sion. Une mine de trésors, remplies d’objets liés à l’empire aksoumien et aux Empereurs qui se sont succédés (couronnes impériales d’argent de 1.5 à 3kg, selles de chevaux, anciens parapluies d’églises, croix aksoumite, tissus ayant servi à couvrir l’arche d’Alliance, des vêtements royaux incrustés de détails en argent, des tambours de prêtres ...). Malheureusement, ces objets sont mal présentés, amassés les uns sur les autres, sans assez de lumière pour les mettre en valeur ( pareil à Lalibel). Les explications sont très sommaires, quand il n’y a juste rien ou tout écrit en tigrigna. Compter 15-20 min pour tout bien voir, mais cela en vaut vraiment la peine! J’espère que l’entrée à 200 birrs (6$) par personne peut servir à mieux mettre en valeur ces merveilles, les plus intéressantes à voir à Aksoum ( surtout que les femmes ne peuvent pas entrer dans l’église même en face). On vous précise de suite: photos interdites et dépôt des affaires obligatoire dans un casier. L’entrée se fait en descendant un petit escalier de l’autre côté de l’entrée.

(Translated by Google) The foundation of civilization (Original) የስልጣኔ መሰረት

Remnants of stairs in the rocks.

Cool place with traditional vibe.

in terms of atmosphere, this place has got the african vibe. i only wish their portion sizes were bigger for sharing. but then i m judging from north american and european prospective. great dancing at night (feb 1, 2019).

The Restaurant is nice and with lots of options - unless you are vegetarian and want to have dinner! In which case only the usual 2/3 options. Food quality is good. The show we saw was rather mediocre compared to others we saw on our trip.

The vegetarian food was good. The low score stems from the following factors: 1) two different kinds of music blaring at high volumes, 2) waitress tried to scam me by asking a higher price than was due, which I corrected after asking for the menu, 3) foreigners get charged multiple times of what the actual cost of the dishes is, which seems to be the norm in this country where nearly every restaurant has higher prices on their English menus (imagine the outcry if we would charge Africans a higher price than locals in our home countries)

Beautiful place to eat Ethiopian traditional food in Aluminum. Great entertainment with traditional dances...

I don't recommend this restaurant. The quality of their food is so poor. They don't care about hygiene also. I ordered Tibs, it was disgusting. The meat was as hard as stone too. Don't pay attention to the fake reviews written by local tour guides!

Great lunch of vegetarian fasting menu. Acceptable to Western tastes. Very cute place.

So we arrive and because we were w/o an Ethiopian guide the entrance jumped from 100 (M)/75(F) to 200 each. We had no other choice than pay. So my girlfriend could not get to the top (not only enter the monastery but take the stairs)... and was asked for more money (she had already paid 200 birrs to see the woman church) to see the view from the kids over there... I am unsure where the values of my Christian religion have gone here... I understand we as foreigners should pay more but this has gone beyond ridiculous and disrespectful... I’m sad for Ethiopia. And yes the view up there is astonishing

Great food. Apparently the best restaurant in Axum and usually filled with foreigners (tourists). Highly recommended.

Nice play to Dine in Axum. Very friendly staff and good ambience. Food presentation was awesome and taste was also good. Definitely a recommended place in Axum. MUST TRY.

A very nice spot in Axum Town. We loved the food. The atmosphere was great.

Great place. Amazing vibe, friendly staff. One word of caution, watch out for the street kids, grab and ran. The manager saved a potentially ruined evening, kudos to him.

They offer a pleasant dining experience. The outdoor area is especially nice, with greenery that makes it a refreshing spot to relax. I tried the burger, and while the taste was decent, the patty and bun were on the smaller side, making it simple to eat. It’s not the most indulgent burger, but it does the job. The pricing is reasonable for the area, making it a good option for a casual meal.

Excellent sandwiches, pizzas, burgers! Superb chicken soup. Friendly service every time we have visited. A very solid option for food in Axum.

Nice Western restaurant located in center Axum, mostly patronized by tourists. Food is good, place is clean. Worth going there for a quick bite.