In Aksum’s stelae field, a 33-metre-high granite monolith is attributed to King Remhai and dates to the 3rd century; it toppled while being erected. Alongside church traditions, archaeological finds and religious festivals, Aksum offers several distinct ways to explore the history of Central Tigray.

Aksum: Monuments, Finds and Church History

Another landmark in the wider travel destination of Tigray is Aksum’s largest upright obelisk. It is over 23 metres high and so intricately carved that it represents a nine-storey Aksumite building. Compared with the 33-metre monolith, these are two distinct monuments: the upright obelisk on the one hand, and the granite monolith that toppled while being erected on the other.

The Archaeological Museum of Aksum displays ancient finds from the surrounding area. These include Aksumite coins from the 3rd century and glassware imported from Egypt. The collection complements the monumental structures with smaller artefacts, bringing together objects from the area around Aksum and glassware of Egyptian origin.

The history of the original church of Tsion Maryam is also marked by destruction and architectural remembrance. It was modelled on Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and was destroyed by Queen Gudit in the 10th century. The foundations of one of the original twelve temples are still visible. The interior of the replacement church of Tsion Maryam Cathedral is painted. In this way, the history of the original church, the visible foundations and the replacement church stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of church tradition.

Festivals, Crafts and Adwa’s Legacy

Two religious dates are particularly useful for planning: Timkat is celebrated in Aksum on 19 January, except in leap years; the day of Kidus Maryam (Saint Mary) is observed on 1 December. The dates fall at distinctly different times of the year and can help you choose when to travel based on the occasion you wish to attend.

Arts and crafts offer a different perspective on Aksum from the stelae field and museum. There are numerous craft stalls along the main road east of the central stelae field. Local products include traditional cotton fabrics worn by women in Tigrai, baskets, crosses and other traditional handicrafts. If you are specifically looking for the stalls, check locally to see whether they are currently open; you should also check museum access before planning a specific visit.

In Adwa, the Adwa Victory Monument commemorates the victory of Ethiopian forces over Italian invaders at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. While Aksum’s stelae, finds and churches bring together different historical themes, the monument in Adwa refers specifically to this event.

A Wider Look at Tigray

The wider travel region of Tigray offers additional landscape and cultural attractions. The region has 121 rock-hewn churches. Yeha lies in a fertile basin at an altitude of 2,150 metres, surrounded by volcanic mountain ranges. The rock-cut shaft tombs of Da’ero Mikael and the rock-cut tombs of Abiy Addi, dating from the early and middle parts of the first millennium BC, are located there.

The Gheralta range lies on Tigray’s northern plateau; the Gheralta Mountains are suitable for trekking and mountaineering. Abune Yemata Guh can be reached via a rock face. Ashenda offers a seasonal occasion: the festival is celebrated every year from 16 to 21 August in Tigray and the Amhara Regional State.

Discover more destinations: Aksum, South Tigray.

See the wider travel overview: Tigray.