The Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant in Aksum, Ethiopia, is part of the Saint Mary of Zion complex, a central site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Tradition claims that the Ark of the Covenant was brought from Jerusalem to Aksum by Menelik I, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Guarded by a single monk for life, the Ark is inaccessible to the public, which has fueled skepticism about its authenticity. Some scholars, including Edward Ullendorff, have questioned its origins, describing it as a medieval artifact. Despite this, the chapel remains a powerful symbol of faith and Ethiopian heritage.
The Saint Mary of Zion complex also includes the Old Church, built in the 4th century and later reconstructed, and the New Church, added in the 1950s by Emperor Haile Selassie to host larger ceremonies. Together, these structures embody the deep historical and spiritual significance of Aksum as a religious and cultural center for Ethiopians and pilgrims worldwide.
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4PH9+VRR, Aksum, Ethiopia - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Sanctuary of the Ark
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