Queen of Sheba’s Palace

To a large part, Ethiopia's early history revolved around the stories of the Queen of Sheba (Ethiopian) and King Solomon of Israel, who had a son who established the Solomonic Dynasty in and around ancient Axum (Aksum).

The Queen of Sheba, an "exotic and enigmatic woman of power," is one of the great religious characters included in the Old Testament, Hebrew Bible, and Muslim Koran. Her Palace may be situated just here in Axum. Why wouldn't you want to come here and soak in the view and shoot some photos?

The structure in Dungur is commonly referred to as Queen of Sheba's Palace, while archaeologists differ on whether it was the great woman's palace or a nobleman's house from the 6th century AD. Most people believed the latter, however, the recent discovery of a relief carving depicting a gorgeous woman (in the museum of St Mary of Zion Church) has prompted some to hypothesize that her castle may remain beneath the existing ruins. This is an important historical site in Ethiopia.

Climb the observation tower at the back of the property for a panoramic view of the 50-room layout. It features little bare stones and walls that are recessed at intervals and taper oddly with height. The well-preserved flagstone floor is likely to be from a throne chamber. The palace also has hidden treasure chambers, a private bathing area, and a kitchen with a massive brick oven. The stairwells indicate that there is at least one above the floor.

Address: Aksum, Ethiopia