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Belew Kelew Obelisk

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Historical site
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Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)

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The Belew Kelew obelisk, also known as the Metera Stele, stands as a premier testament to the Aksumite civilization's presence in the southern highlands of Eritrea. This five-meter-tall monument is carved from a single block of stone and dates back to the 4th century, marking a transition period in the region's historical timeline. Its most significant feature is the Ge'ez inscription at its base, which represents one of the earliest known examples of this ancient South Semitic script. The text is dedicated to the ancestors of local kings, providing invaluable insights into the social hierarchy and linguistic evolution of the pre-Christian era. Located near the town of Senafe, the site of Metera was once a major urban center along the trade routes connecting Aksum to the Red Sea port of Adulis. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the obelisk was likely part of a larger complex of palaces and religious structures. Today, the monument remains a symbol of national heritage and a focal point for understanding the deep-rooted history of the Eritrean people.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May, Jun.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171820212222201920181716
Rain mm1011194525178510028171114

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The site is an open-air archaeological zone that can be visited at any time. The stele itself is accessible without an entrance fee.
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Typical hours
As an open-air facility, there are no fixed opening hours. Best visited in daylight to read the inscriptions.
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Photography
Photography is allowed anytime as it is a public archaeological site. Use a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the inscriptions.
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Time needed
Visiting the obelisk itself takes about 20-30 minutes. Those wanting to explore the entire Metera archaeological zone should plan two to three hours.
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Combine with
Nearby are other historical stelae and ruins from the same period. The town of Senafe also features impressive old churches and rock-hewn churches.
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Getting there
The site is off main roads; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. From Senafe, a dirt track leads to the obelisk.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water as the area is dry and hot. A local guide can explain the ancient Ethiopian inscriptions.

Geography

Coordinates
14.66450, 39.42150

Facts

  • The obelisk stands exactly 5 meters tall and is made of volcanic rock.
  • It features a crescent and disk symbol at the top, representing pre-Christian deities.
  • The inscription is written in a non-vocalized version of the Ge'ez script.
  • The monument was restored in the early 20th century by an Italian archaeological mission.
  • It is located at the archaeological site of Metera, which covers over 10 hectares.
  • Local legends associate the site with the biblical kingdom of Sheba.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SenafeSenafe3 km · EExplore →
Historical SenefeHistorical Senefe6 km · EExplore →
Keskese RuinsKeskese Ruins7 km · NEExplore →
Adi KeyhAdi Keyh16 km · EExplore →
Ancient City of QohaitoAncient City of Qohaito19 km · EExplore →
Debre DamoDebre Damo29 km · SWExplore →
Debre Damo MonasteryDebre Damo Monastery31 km · SWExplore →
Gura HighlandGura Highland32 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Belew Kelew Obelisk (3)

Archeological Park of Matara

The Archaeological Park of Matara in Eritrea contains ruins from the Aksumite Empire period.

mtr Matera

The archaeological site of متارا (Matera) in Eritrea includes ancient structures and tombs.

Archeological Park Hdyq@ lathr

The Archaeological Park حديقة الآثار in Eritrea is an excavation site with historical remains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Belew Kelew?
It is an ancient obelisk over 5 meters high located near the Qohaito archaeological site.
How old is the Belew Kelew obelisk?
It likely dates from the Aksumite period, roughly between the 1st and 7th centuries AD.
Is the site easily accessible?
A 4WD vehicle is needed to reach the Qohaito plateau, followed by a short walk.
Are there inscriptions on the obelisk?
Yes, it bears one of the oldest known inscriptions in the Ge'ez language.
What other sights are nearby?
Nearby are the rock paintings of Adi Alauti and the ancient ruins of Qohaito.
Belew Kelew Obelisk: where is it located?
Belew Kelew Obelisk is located in Eritrea.
Belew Kelew Obelisk: what is there to see?
Highlights include Archeological Park of Matara, mtr Matera, Archeological Park Hdyq@ lathr.
Belew Kelew Obelisk: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May, Jun.
Belew Kelew Obelisk: why is it worth visiting?
The Belew Kelew obelisk, also known as the Metera Stele, stands as a premier testament to the Aksumite civilization's presence in the southern highlands of Eritrea.
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Nearby cities

Mendefera — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Mendefera
The capital of the Debub region.
Adi Keyh — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Adi Keyh
A mountain town in the southern region.

History & landmarks

Senafe — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Senafe
Senafe is a highland market town in southern Eritrea, noted for its dramatic granite boulders and proximity to the ancient ruins of Metera.
🗺️
Adi Quala
Adi Quala is a scenic border town in southern Eritrea, offering breathtaking views of the Mereb River basin.

Nature

Gash River — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Gash River
A seasonal river originating in the highlands of Eritrea.

More places

Colonial Town of Decemhare — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Colonial Town of Decemhare
Decemhare was planned during the Italian colonial period as an important agricultural and industrial center.
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Metera Archaeological Site
Metera, also known as Matara, is a significant ruined city from the Aksumite Empire.
Historical Senefe — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Historical Senefe
Senefe is an ancient town near the Ethiopian border on the edge of the Great Rift Valley.
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Keskese Ruins
The Keskese Ruins are remains of an ancient settlement in the southern region of Eritrea, associated with the D'mt Empire and early Sabae…
Soira — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Soira
The highest mountain in Eritrea.
Ancient City of Qohaito — Belew Kelew Obelisk (Eritrea)
Ancient City of Qohaito
Qohaito is one of Eritrea's most famous archaeological sites, located on a high plateau.
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Dekemhare fruit orchards
Fruit orchards in the Dekemhare region.
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Dekemhare family park
Park with playgrounds for families in Dekemhare.