Axum

The town of Axum forms the centre of the Tigray region. Over 800 km north from Addis Ababa, the city is located in the Adwa Mountains with an elevation of 2,131 meters above sea level. Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, Axum has an estimated total population of 47,320.
Since 1980, Axum has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most ancient, as well as one of the most holy, of Ethiopia's historic capitals. The city was once part of the great Aksumite kingdom as one of four world powers. The monarch was allegedly the famous Queen Saba. The ruins of her palace can be seen in Axum. The Queen has given birth to Solomon’s son: Menilik I, King of Ethiopia. The legend says that he brought the Arc of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum, which is now guarded in the “holy city of Ethiopia”.
Axum's historic treasures also include the catacombs, and Mai Shum - the bath of Queen Saba, and the Axumite steles. The biggest one, unfortunately broken, is more than 33 meters high and as heavy as 500 tons.

The residents of Axum are well used to foreigners who come in to visit the historical sites. Hence, they welcome them to their town and homes.