Explore the Timeless Charm of Aksum Old Quarter
Discover the ancient wonders of Aksum Old Quarter, where history and culture converge in Ethiopia's timeless treasure.
A brief summary to Aksum Old Quarter
- 4PH8+C35, Unnamed Road, Aksum, ET
Nestled in the heart of northern Ethiopia, Aksum Old Quarter is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its ancient obelisks, royal tombs, and the remnants of palaces that whisper stories of a glorious past. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you'll be immersed in the legacy of one of Africa's greatest civilizations, known for its impressive trade networks and its role as a hub for early Christianity. The Old Quarter is not just about what lies in ruins; it’s also a vibrant living area where locals engage in daily life against a backdrop of historical grandeur. Be sure to take a moment to explore the local markets, where you can find unique crafts and traditional Ethiopian goods, providing a glimpse into the region's rich artisan heritage. The atmosphere here is infused with a sense of tranquility, making it a perfect spot for reflection or leisurely exploration. Visiting Aksum Old Quarter offers more than just a walk through history; it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the roots of Ethiopian culture. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the charm of the area, ensuring that your visit is both memorable and enriching. Don’t miss this chance to witness the grandeur of Aksum’s past, set against the stunning backdrop of Ethiopia’s natural beauty.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful ambiance before the crowds arrive.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the site.
- Don’t forget your camera; the architecture and landscapes are stunning and photo-worthy.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Mekele, take the A2 highway heading towards Aksum. The distance is approximately 270 kilometers and will take around 4-5 hours. As you enter Aksum, look for signs pointing to the Old Quarter. The exact location is 4PH8+C35, Unnamed Road, Aksum. You can use GPS coordinates 14.1285, 38.7152 for precise navigation. Be aware of tolls on some roads.
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Public Transportation (Minibus)
From Mekele, you can take a minibus to Aksum. The minibuses leave from the main bus station in Mekele. The fare is typically around 50-100 Ethiopian Birr. The journey will take about 5-6 hours depending on road conditions. Once you arrive in Aksum, you can take a local taxi to the Old Quarter. Make sure to tell the driver to take you to 4PH8+C35, Unnamed Road, Aksum.
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Public Transportation (Shared Taxi)
Another option is to take a shared taxi from Mekele to Aksum. Shared taxis usually leave when full and cost approximately 100-150 Ethiopian Birr. The travel time is similar to that of a minibus. Upon arrival, you can hire a local taxi to reach the Old Quarter. Provide the driver with the location address (4PH8+C35, Unnamed Road, Aksum) for accurate navigation.
Attractions Nearby to Aksum Old Quarter
- Ta'akha Myryam Place
- Axum Tsion St. Mary
- መቓብር ንጉስን ቤተሰቡን | The tomb of Mausoleum
- Photo Diary Aksum
- ኣኽሱም ሓውልት | ሓወልቲ ኣኽሱም ቑፅሪ-1 | Akhsum Obelisk No-1
- ንግስቲ ሳባ ማይ ሹም Queen of Saba’s Bath, Mai Shum
- ቤተ መንግስቲ ንግስቲ ሳባ | Dungur Palace (Queen of Sheba Palace)
- Queen of Sheba's Bath
- TOMB OF KING BAZEN
- Ezana Stone
- May ako outdoor park ማይዓኮ መናፈሻ
- Addi Guatiya cruciform tombs
- Holly Land of Aksum | ምድረ ፅዮን ከተማ ኣኽሱም ኣጋግዘ ዝተለዓለ ፎቶ
- Kaleb tomb
- King Kaleb Palace
Landmarks nearby to Aksum Old Quarter
- ቤተ ክርስትያን እንዳ ኣርባዕተ እንስሳ / Arabtu Ensessa Church
- Aksum
- ቤተክርስቲያን እንዳየሱስ | Jesus Church
- Kahsay Beyene, Axum, Tigray
- ጥንታዊ እንዳ ፬ እንስሳ ቤተ ክርስትያን |The Ancient Church of Arbaetu Enssa
- Nyala Hotel Axum
- Atranos Fantasy Hotel and Spa
- Abba Pentalewon
- ጎቦዱራ ምስለ ኣንበሳ Lioness of GobeDura
- Rahwa Middle School
- Adi Quala Bus Station
- Adi Quala Hospital
- Eyamo ኢያሞ
- Adi Hihi
- Debre Damo