Adwa
ዓድዋ
The site of the 1896 Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopia defeated Italy. The jagged volcanic peaks outside the town are highly distinctive.
Adwa lies about 20 km east of Aksum. In March 1896, Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italian army here, preserving Ethiopia's independence. It is regarded as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance in Africa, and commemorative events are held every year on 2 March. Outside the town rises a range of jagged volcanic peaks, the site of the battlefield and a defining landscape of the Tigray Plateau. Visitors can stop along the road to take photos or, with a guide, climb Mount Sollodo for a view.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Abba Garima Monastery
- Abba Pentalewon Monastery
- Temple of Yeha
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel
- Tomb of Bazen
- Ezana Stone
- Mai Shum (Queen of Sheba's Bath)
- Obelisks of Aksum