Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and historically significant religious sites. Located in the ancient city of Axum, the church is closely associated with the famous Hidar Tsion celebration, one of Ethiopia’s most important annual religious festivals, held every year in November.

From around 200 BC to 700 AD, Axum was the center of a powerful empire that became one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. The Axumite Kingdom controlled important trade routes across the Red Sea, maintained connections with Arabia, India, and beyond, developed its own writing system, and built remarkable architectural and engineering achievements.

By the 4th century AD, Axum was recognized as one of the four great powers of the ancient world, alongside Rome, Persia, and China. Today, visitors can explore the city’s ancient monuments, including towering stelae, archaeological sites, and the historic Mariam Tsion Church.

According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is believed to be the guardian of the Ark of the Covenant, making Axum one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Ethiopia.

Highlights:
✓ Experience the colorful Hidar Tsion festival
✓ Visit the sacred Mariam Tsion Church
✓ Discover the history of the Axumite Empire
✓ Explore ancient stelae and archaeological treasures
✓ Witness Ethiopia’s deep religious and cultural heritage

Discover Axum — the ancient heart of Ethiopia’s civilization with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.