About Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum
Aksum was the capital of an ancient kingdom that adopted Christianity in the fourth century under King Ezana. The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is the most sacred church of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Its compound contains an older seventeenth century church built by Emperor Fasilides and a large domed cathedral commissioned by Emperor Haile Selassie. Ethiopian emperors were once crowned within this compound, which shows its central place in national religious life.
Between them stands a small chapel where Ethiopian tradition holds that the original Ark of the Covenant is kept. Only one guardian monk may see it, and the claim cannot be verified by outsiders. Each November pilgrims crowd the city for the feast of Hidar Tsion. Nearby, the giant stelae fields of Aksum recall the city's pre-Christian royal past. The festival includes processions of priests with ceremonial umbrellas and drums.
What to see
- Chapel of the Tablet
- Old Church of Saint Mary of Zion
- New Cathedral of Saint Mary
- Church museum with crowns and manuscripts
- Northern Stelae Park
Visiting Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum: practical guide
- Best time
- October to February; late November for Hidar Tsion
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 17:00 with a midday break
- Entry
- Fee for foreign visitors
- Dress code
- Modest clothing; remove shoes inside
- Nearest airport
- Axum Airport (AXU), 5 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Women are not permitted inside the old church but may enter the new cathedral
- Check current travel advisories for Tigray
- Combine with the stelae park and Queen of Sheba's Bath
Festivals and special days
- Hidar Tsion (Feast of Saint Mary of Zion) on 30 November
- Timkat
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum?
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum is in Aksum, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, Africa. GPS coordinates: 14.1306, 38.7186. The nearest airport is Axum Airport (AXU), 5 km.
What is the best time to visit Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum?
October to February; late November for Hidar Tsion
Is there an entry fee for Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum?
Fee for foreign visitors Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 17:00 with a midday break
What should I wear when visiting Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum?
Modest clothing; remove shoes inside
Which religion is Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum sacred to?
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
