NORTHERN ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Ethiopia, Africa's oldest sovereign nation, has a rich history that dates back to the first century AD. It was a land of great wealth and was well-known to traders from Greece, Rome, Persia, and Egypt. The first century AD saw Axum emerge as the capital of a powerful empire and one of the first Christian lands in Africa. However, by the late 10th century, Axum declined, and a new dynasty known as the Zagwe, based in Lalibela, rose to power. Axum, Lalibela, and Gondar are now renowned for their historical significance. In the 16th century, the son of explorer Vasco Digamma discovered a land comprised of numerous kingdoms and provinces plagued by conflict. Under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II in the 19th century, Ethiopia started its journey towards modernization. The country boasts a proud and ancient history, stretching back to the dawn of humankind. The Axumite kingdom was a great civilization of the ancient world and is known for the mystery surrounding the massive steel obelisks at Axum. In the late Middle Ages, religious civilizations flourished throughout Ethiopia, particularly in Lalibela, where churches hand-carved out of massive red rock demonstrate great faith and architectural prowess. And in the former capital of Gondar, numerous impressive castles highlight the same.

The city of Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city and former capital of a once-powerful empire, is a major highlight along the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire was at its height 3000 years ago and its prosperity is still evident in its magnificent obelisks and the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, as well as the legendary bath of the Queen of Sheba. The Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, built in the 16th century on the site of a 4th century church, is considered the holiest church in Ethiopia and is said to hold the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum are adorned with numerous icons and some of the crowns of ancient emperors.

Approximately 76 kilometers from Axum lies the Debre Damo Monastery, which is inaccessible to women and is said to contain the oldest surviving church in Ethiopia. According to local legend, the church was built by Abune Aregawi, one of the nine Saints, in the sixth century. Access to the monastery is only possible via a rope pulley, which has helped preserve its contents, including an extensive collection of manuscripts, some of which are the oldest surviving text fragments in Ethiopia. Currently, the church holds about fifty manuscripts, although the monks claim that at one point they had over a thousand.

Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century and is renowned for its medieval castles and churches. The city's imperial compound features a collection of castles constructed between 1632 and 1855 by various emperors during this time period. These impressive castles showcase a rich blend of Axumite and Arabian architectural styles and are unrivaled in Africa. Additional notable attractions in Gondar include the 18th-century palace of Ras Bet, the Bath of Fasiledes, the damaged Kusquam Palace, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famous for its exceptional murals.

King Lalibela is credited with the foundation of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. Most travel writers describe these churches as the "eighth wonder of the world". These remarkable edifices were carved out of a solid rock, in a region where the ragged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism. The 11 man-made churches are found in and around the town of Lalibela. Other churches are reached by a 45-minutes drive by 4x4 vehicle, or a three hour ride on mule-back. The venue for some of the most famous church festivals in Ethiopia, a visit during the great celebrations of Genna (Chris mass) and Timket (Epiphany) is particularly rewarding.