- Location: Axum, Ethiopia
- Phone: +251 91 123 5044
Each country has some peculiarity, which its inhabitants are most proud of. For some, this is an indicator of GDP, someone is enthusiastic about scientific and technological progress, there are also those who, at the top of everything, put the thorny path to the formation of the state and gaining freedom. Ethiopians in this regard are no exception. They also have a number of features about which they respond with unconcealed pride in their voice. In particular, the people of Ethiopia singled out the fact that it is in their country that the Ark of the Covenant is safely hidden behind the walls of the Church of Mary of Zion in Axum.
Historical digression
The first mention of the Church of Mary of Zion is dated 372. This was the period of the reign of the king of the Axumite kingdom - Ezana. In history, he is designated as the first ruler who accepted Christianity beyond the limits of the influence of the Roman Empire. Actually, it was to this event that the church was erected.
In 1535 the walls of the church fell at the hands of Muslims. However, exactly 100 years later, in 1635, the temple was restored and reconstructed thanks to the Emperor Facilades. Since then, the Church of Mary of Zion was known as the place of the coronation of the rulers of Ethiopia.
Nevertheless, the history of the church does not end there. In 1955, Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian emperor, ordered the construction of a new temple, much more spacious and with a massive dome. This order he timed to the 50th anniversary of his reign, and already in 1964, the temple complex included 3 buildings: a new church of the XX century, an old building of the XVII century and the foundation of the original church of the IV century.
What is interesting about the Church of Mary of Zion?
Today, the entrance to the building of the old church is only allowed to men. Its appearance resembles Syrian motifs: a rather strict, square structure, which is enclosed by a colonnade. On the roof there are battlements, making the temple somewhat similar to the fortress. Perhaps, these architectural details were influenced by the uneasy past of this building. The walls are made of gray stone and a mixture of clay and straw as a solution. They are adorned with various murals of muted tones and paintings on scenes from the Holy Scriptures. The roof is crowned with a small golden dome, and at the gate there is an ancient copper gun.
The new church was built in neo-Byzantine style. This building is much more spacious, and in its interior a bright spot stands out paintings and murals. In particular, the pediment of the church is decorated with the image of the Twelve Apostles, the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Holy Trinity.
As for the main shrine in Ethiopia - the Ark of the Covenant, it is kept in a separate chapel next to the old church, and is a carved casket with tablets. However, only one monk who keeps a vow of silence is allowed access to it.
Another treasure that is preserved in the walls of the temple are the crowns of the Ethiopian emperors. By the way, among them, and a crown, which was placed on the head of Emperor Fasilides.
How to get to the Church of Mary of Zion in Axum?
To see the tourist attraction , tourists will have to take a taxi. The temple is located on the outskirts of the city of Axum , in the north-eastern part of it.