This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Located 1,000 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, the ancient city of Axum in Ethiopia is home to four giant obelisks that have stood the test of time. These granite monuments, weighing over 100 tonnes and standing over 20 meters high, are a testament to the country's rich history and cultural heritage.
The obelisks are associated with King Ezana, who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia in the fourth century. They are now a UNESCO heritage site, attracting visitors from across the world.
According to Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia's tourism circuits are divided into historical sites (the North), cultural travel (the South), and adventure. Apart from Axum, other historical sites to the north of the country include Gondar, Bahir Dar, and the walled town of Harar.
Ethiopia reported the highest tourism growth across the world in 2018, registering a rise of 48.6 percent and earning $7.4 billion. This growth dwarfs the 3.9 percent world average and Africa's 5.6 percent, said the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Among other rich histories, Axum holds a replica of the Ark of the Covenant and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's home are still visible after reconstruction.
One of the collapsed obelisks dwarfs people next to it and reveals intimidating cracks that emphasize the impact of the collapse. Beneath the pieces, squirrels have found hideouts, where they keep running to as tourists stream into the ground.
The obelisk stones, some accounts claim, were moved from a forest four kilometers away to the present site using elephants.
Historical tours are a complex area that requires professional guides who understand the subject, says Rashid Kaittany of ATS Travel in Kenya.
Although Ethiopia was not colonized, Italians invaded the country and carried away the 1700-year-old Obelisk of Axum in the 1930s to Rome on the orders of Benito Mussolini. It was returned in pieces in 2008 and re-erected at its original site to a tumultuous celebration in Axum and across Ethiopia.
