A fertile basin at an altitude of 2,150 metres, surrounded by volcanic mountain ranges: Yeha offers a striking introduction to Tigray’s landscape. But the region is defined by more than its mountain ranges. Rock-cut tombs, churches, obelisks and Ashenda broaden the picture to include archaeological and cultural themes. The range of attractions thus extends from striking natural formations to stone monuments and an annual tradition.

Highlands, Basins and Rock Access Routes

The Gheralta mountain range lies on Tigray’s northern plateau; the Gheralta Mountains are well suited to trekking and mountaineering. This also makes the mountain landscape appealing to travellers who are more interested in activities than archaeological sites. Abune Yemata Guh is accessed via a rock face. At this church, the rock is not merely a backdrop to the landscape, but also part of the approach. Yeha offers a different impression of the landscape: a fertile basin at an altitude of 2,150 metres, surrounded by volcanic mountain ranges. The basin and mountain range are distinct landforms that help describe Tigray’s landscape.

Tombs and Monuments

When exploring its cultural heritage, Tigray takes you from a large overall number to individual archaeological sites. The region has 121 rock-hewn churches. In Yeha are the rock-cut shaft tombs of Da’ero Mikael and the rock-cut tombs of Abiy Addi; they date from the early and middle first millennium BC. The number conveys the scale of a regional theme, while the two named burial grounds offer specific archaeological sites to explore. Their dating adds a historical dimension and draws attention to tombs that date back long before the present day.

Aksum’s largest standing obelisk is more than 23 metres high and was intricately carved to represent a nine-storey Aksumite building. Its height and depiction offer two points of reference: the former can be expressed as a number, while the latter can be read as architecture. This monument thus draws attention both to its size and to the form carved into the stone.

A Fallen Obelisk

Another point of interest is an obelisk about 33 metres long, lying where it fell; this may have happened during an attempt to raise it. The measurement is approximate, and the explanation is explicitly only a possibility.

Stone Inscriptions

Some stone inscriptions contain trilingual texts in Greek, Sabaean and Ge’ez, which King Ezana had carved in the 4th century AD. Here, the languages and historical attribution take centre stage. This offers a different way to approach stone monuments than the measurements and design of an obelisk: rather than a form, the focus is on texts in three named languages and their historical context.

Ashenda: A Festival with Set Dates

Ashenda offers a cultural experience distinct from tombs and monuments. The festival is celebrated every year from 16 to 21 August in Tigray and the Amhara Regional State. After gathering in the centre of a village or town, small groups go from house to house singing and drumming. The dates give you a concrete reference point for planning; the gathering, singing and drumming are also part of the described celebrations. If Ashenda is the reason for your trip, use these August dates as a guide and bear in mind that the festival is celebrated in both regional states.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Central Tigray, South Tigray, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region, Somali, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Dire Dawa, Addis Ababa

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