Adulis
The ancient port of the Aksumite Kingdom and once a trading hub on the Red Sea, with surviving Byzantine-style church and building remains.
Adulis lies about 40 km south of Massawa, near Zula. From the 1st to the 7th century CE it was the main port of the Aksumite Kingdom for trade with Rome and India, and ivory and gold were exported through it. Visitors can see partly excavated church foundations, stone columns and building walls, and international archaeological teams have been excavating here in recent years. There are almost no facilities on site, so you need a travel permit and should hire a car and a guide. Summer heat is intense.
Opening hours
Daytime; permit required
Nearby sights
- Green Island
- Sheikh Hanafi Mosque
- Massawa Old Town (Batse Island)
- Massawa Tank Memorial
- Mosque of the Companions
- Former Banco d'Italia Building
- Imperial Palace, Massawa
- Northern Red Sea Regional Museum