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Axum was the capital of the Aksumite kingdom and is still a holy city for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The stelae field, the tomb markers under them, and the church of St Mary of Zion are the core visit. The Queen of Sheba stories are told here, and archaeologists continue to work on the palaces of Dungur and Ta'akha Maryam.

Give it a full day, or two if you add the monastery of Abba Pentalewon on the hill. Domestic flights land close to town. Hotels are in the centre, a short walk or ride from the stelae.