Religious, Spiritual sights in Aksum
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St Mary of Zion Churches
Opposite the Northern Stelae Field in a walled compound lie the two St Mary of Zion Churches .The rectangular old church is a remarkable example of traditional architecture and was built by the Emperor Fasiladas, the founder of Gonder, in 1665. It's thought that the old podium on which it sits may well belong to Africa's first church, which was erected by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th century.
Unfortunately, the original church was destroyed during the incursions of Mohammed Gragn the Left-Handed in 1535. Inside there are fine murals, including a painting of the Nine Saints and a collection of ceremonial musical instruments.
A carefully guarded chapel in the c…
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Mausoleum
The so-called Mausoleum was discovered in 1974, but not excavated until the mid-1990s. A monumental portal (hewn from a single slab of granite) marked the tomb's entrance and was also carved with the stelae's curious false door motifs. The portal leads into a passageway with 10 chambers. Part of the tomb had been disfigured at some unknown date by robbers, who succeeded in digging through 1.5m of solid masonry! The mausoleum was almost set for its opening to the public during our visit - enjoy!
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Abba Pentalewon Monastery
Around 2km from the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, and thought to date from the 6th century, is the Abba Pentalewon Monastery . Inside are some fine illuminated manuscripts, metal crosses, censers and sistra, which can usually be brought out by the priests. The site of the monastery was sacred to pagans and it's thought the monastery was built here to bolster Christianity and eradicate pagan beliefs.
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Abba Liqanos Monastery
Northeast of the town centre and around 20 minutes by foot from the Abba Pentalewon Monastery, the Abba Liqanos Monastery boasts excellent views and contains some fine religious paraphernalia. Ask to see the so-called crowns of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.
While it's not a must-see, the walk there is pleasant.
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