Axum

Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city and capital of the historic Axumite kingdom – once one of the four kingdoms of the world, is the site of many remarkable monolithic stone obelisks, legends and birth place of Ethiopia.

• Addis Ababa
• Axum
• Lalibella
• Gondar
• Bahir Dar
• Harrar
• Danakil Depression
• Omo Valley
• Lake Tana
• Rivers and lakes

Obelisks

Queen Makida (Queen of Sheba)

Axum was home to the Queen Makeda, widely known as Queen of Sheba whose ruined palace and bathing pool can still be found in and near the town.

The Ark of the Covenant & Church of St Mary of Zion

Axum is the location of the Church of St Mary of Zion, where The Ark of the Covenant, which housed the Ten Commandments of the Bible is said to have been placed by MenelikI (Ibin Hakim), son of King Solomon, 3000 years ago; a connection with the legendary Queen of Sheba (based  on book of  glory of kings)  or transported from Jerusalem – Elephantine island, in Mediterranean sea – Cherkos Monastery on Lake Tana and finally from Cherkos Monastery  to Axum by the command of  first Christian King Ezana (4^th Century) as it is explained  in the book of The Sign & the Seal written Graham Hancook, a British journalist and travel writer.  St. Mary of Zion Church is the oldest of all churches in Ethiopia, rich for its historic and ecclesiastical relics. The Ark of the Covenant- is apparently stored in the Church of St Mary of Zion, but only one living person (monk), the guardian of the Ark is allowed to see it. The story in connection with the Ark; any Ethiopian Orthodox Christian and some scholars like Graham Hancook assure you it is true!

Lalibela

Lalibela is a small town, which is secluded by mountains in the northern tip of Wello. It was a seat of the Zagwe Dynasty who ruled the country for about two centuries following the decline and fall of Axum. The term "Zagwe" means of the dynasty of the Agew people. The homeland of these rulers was one of the most important strongholds of the Agew people. Formerly known as Roha, the town of Lalibela bears the name of its most famous king "Lalibela" (1118 - 1221 A.D) Lalibela is renowned for its rock-hewn churches, which are sometimes called “The eighth wonder of the world.”

There are 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. All of them believed to have been built by king Lalibela himself. Some of these churches are monolithic, architecturally unique buildings, finely curved and some of them decorated with beautiful paintings. These churches have been kept alive by hundreds of priests who guarded its precious religious and artistic treasures.

The churches stand in two groups on either side of a river, which is known as river Jordan. Some of the churches are Bete Medhane Alem, home to Lalibela Cross and believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world), Bete Mariam (house of the Virgin Mary), Bete Golgotha, Abba Libanos and Bete Michael. According to legend, anyone, who enters Bete Golgotha, will go to heaven as it contains Lalibela's tomb and personal treasures. It also contains a recumbent figure of Christ.Bete Georgis is the most photographed church in the area. The church is curved in the form of a Greek cross. 

The Castles of Gondar

Gondar is located 750 kilometers north Addis Ababa. It had been capital of Ethiopia for two centuries (1632- 1855). The city's unique imperial precinct contains a number of castles built by various emperors during that era, which in African context is quite an achievement. Although Emperor Fasiledas (1632-1655) built the earliest of these castles just after the expulsion of the Portuguese, the architecture at first sight seems to reflect Moorish - European influence. However, closer scrutiny reveals interesting architectural features of Axumite tradition and a strong affinity with contemporary styles of building fashionable in southern Arabia. Aura of mystery still shrouds the intellectual parentage of the ideas and skills behind those magnificent castles.

Outside the main palace compound, another important building constructed during Iyasu's reign is the church of Debre Berhan Selassie or "light of the Trinity", which stands on raised ground to the northwest of the city. Its inner walls are marvelously painted from top to bottom with innumerable scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Today the church still stands with its interior decorations well preserved. It was in Gondar that a rich and distinct expression of architecture, art, music and literature flourished for the first time in history of the country. 

Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is an attractive town situated on southern tip of Lake Tana. It is 563km, away from Addis Ababa. It is also a capital of the Amhara Regional National State. The Bahir Dar area with Lake Tana basin is a rare environment in northern Ethiopia. Endowed with rich ecological resources, it feels promising and beautiful. The lake and its islands represent a unique natural area for bird life. Some of the birds are: pelican, heron and African darter. There 27 monasteries, some dating back to the 13th century. The lake and its islands have been a secret place to hide the nation's priceless treasures during times of war such as the destruction of Axum by Gudit and the devastation of the Christian highlands by Gragn Ahmed.It is largely believed that The Ark of The Covenant was kept in the Monastery of Tana Cherkos for 800 years and taken to Axum in 4^th Century. Now; there are three Judaic sacrificial pillars on it that are claimed to support the legend that this island was used to store the Ark of Covenant.

Lake Tana

Lake Tana, the largest lake, in Ethiopia is the source and from where the famed Blue Nile starts its long journey to Khartoum, and then into the Mediterranean Sea.

It is located in the north-western Ethiopian highlands, the lake is approximately 84 kilometers long and 66 kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of 14 meters, and an elevation of 1,830 meters. Lake Tana is fed by the Lesser Abay, Reb and Gumara Rivers and its surface area ranges from 3,000 to 3,500 km² depending on season and rainfall.

 The 37 islands that are scattered on the surface of the Lake shelter fascinating churches and monasteries, some of which have histories dating back to the 13^th Century. However, it should be noted that some of the monasteries are not allowed to women. The most interesting islands are: Birgida Mariam, Dega Estefanous, Dek, Narga Estifanos, Tana Cherkos /Qirqos/, Mitsele Fasiledes, Kibran Gabriel and Debre Maryam. Tana Qirqos  is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Axum in 4^th century by the order of King Ezana.

Kibran Gabriel is the principal monastery frequented tourists from Bahir Dar (women are not allowed), with its impressive Cathedral-like building first built at the end of the 17^th Century. Dega Estephanos, which is also closed to women, is on an island in the lake, and the monastery is reached by a very steep and winding path. Although the church is relatively new (only hundred years old), it houses a Madonna painted in the 15^th century. However, the treasury of the monastery is a prime attraction, with the remains of several Emperors, as well as their robes and jewels.

On the banks of the lake are many more monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Narga Selassie. Near Gorgora, at the northern end of the lake, the Susnyos palace is a forerunner of the magnificent palaces and castles of Gonder, and dates from the reign of Emperor Susneyos. In the same area the medieval church of Debre Sina Mariam is particularly important for its murals.

A sail or cruise on Lake Tana is one of the most pleasant excursions for visitors to this region, particularly in the heart of the summer. Along the lakeshore birdlife, both local and migratory visitors, make this an ideal place for birdwatchers.

Bird lovers will not want to miss Fasilidas Island, which is especially famous as an important wetland. The whole of the Lake Tana region and the Blue Nile Gorge have a wide variety of birds both endemic and migratory. The variety of habitats, from rocky crags to riverine forests and important wetlands, ensure that many other different species should be spotted.

Gishen Mariam

Is located 483 kilometers north of Addis Ababa in Wollo Region. Gishen Mariam Church is situated in a marvelous landscape. A fragment from the original True Cross is buried underneath this church. Because of this, this shrine is one of the most sacred churches in the country.

According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense and prayed for assistance to guide her. The smoke drifted towards the direction of the buried cross. She dug and found three crosses; one of them was the True Cross used to crucify Jesus Christ. Empress Helena then gave a piece of the True Cross to all churches. This piece was then brought to Gishen Mariam, Ethiopia. The monastery of Gishen Mariam holds a volume of a book which records the story of the True Cross of Christ and how it was acquired. Along with, Mekedala Escarmpents, and Lake Kayke can be reached.