The ancient kingdom of Axum

The ancient kingdom of Axum is the land of the Queen of Sheba and the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Axum was once the center of a great empire and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge’ez language and literature. The town and its surroundings are filled with archaeological sites, ruins of palaces, underground passageways, tombs and stelaes. The scenery in the neighboring remote corners of the Tigray Mountains is spectacular. The view of the graceful mount Gerhalta and the far-reaching Hawzien plain is a rare combination of extraordinary beauty.
Abuna Yemata Guh, a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint hearted. Debre Damo monastery is only accessible by climbing up by a rope, which is made of “plaited leather”, lowered from the cliffs, which visitors tie around their waist and are then pulled up by a monk at the top of the cliffs.