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Aksum

Queen of Sheba's Bath

  • Address
    • Northern Stelae Field Area
  • Price
    • general visit admission adult/student Br50/Br25
  • Hours
    • 08:00-17:00

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Lonely Planet review for Queen of Sheba's Bath

Despite the colourful legends, Queen of Sheba's Bath postdates the legendary queen by at least a millennia. This large reservoir was more likely an important source of water rather than a swimming pool or gargantuan bath. Its size is even more impressive considering it was originally hewn out of solid rock, no small feat in the world of ancient engineering. It's also known as Mai Shum, which translates to 'Water of Chief'.

Sadly, the outer portion of the bowl was coated with concrete in 1960s, bestowing it with the feel of a half-hearted attempt at a modern water reservoir, instead of an impressive ancient relic.

Today, despite locals claiming that the waters are cursed (local boys occasionally drown here), you'll see lines of women fetching water and washing clothes on its steps.