Abba Pentalewon Monastery
አባ ጰንጠሌዎን
An ancient monastery on a hilltop northeast of the city, founded by one of the Nine Saints, with views over the whole of Aksum.
The monastery sits on a small hilltop northeast of Aksum. According to tradition, it was founded by Pentalewon, one of the Nine Saints who came to preach from around Syria in the late 5th century, and King Kaleb is said to have retired here in his later years. The existing church was rebuilt in later centuries, and the monks display ancient manuscripts and crosses. The climb up the stone steps takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and from the top you can see the city of Aksum and the Stelae Park. Only men may enter the main monastery compound. Entry is paid, and visitors must remove their shoes.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel
- Tomb of Bazen
- Ezana Stone
- Mai Shum (Queen of Sheba's Bath)
- Obelisks of Aksum
- King Ezana's Stele
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
- Aksum Archaeological Museum