Known for its remarkable collection of crumbling castles, fortifications and 17th century churches, Gonder is often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa”. This small city in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia was the home to many emperors who ruled the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century. Gonder was the third capital city of Ethiopia, as evidenced by the crumbling castle ruins that once housed the emperors, kings, and queens of this land. These ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the centre of town lies one of Ethiopia's most famous churches, where the walls are painted with vivid depictions of biblical events, and the roof above covered in the faces of angels. Gonder is the gateway town to the Simien Mountains National Park, and is one of the best places to be during the festival of Timkat that takes place every January.
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Gonder
Gonder Experience
Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi)
Encircled by a 900-metre stone wall, the Royal Enclosure (known locally as Fasil Ghebbi), is the most famous attraction in the town. Gonder was the political epicentre of Ethiopia for hundreds of years, and the castles that remain offer a window into a bygone era, Although many of the stories from this time are forever lost, your guide can talk you through what we do know of the events, the people, and mystery of this fascinating town. The castles can be explored in a couple of hours in the morning or afternoon.
Fasiladas’ Castle
Standing at 32 meters and made of roughly hewn stones, Fasiladas' Castle is the oldest and most impressive structure within the Royal Enclosure. This stone castle displays a unique combination of Portuguese, Axumite and Indian influences. The main floor was used as dining halls and a formal reception area. The walls are decorated with a symbol similar to the Star of David, which became the emblem of the Ethiopian royal family. One floor up is Fasiladas’ prayer room. This room has windows in four directions, each overlooking Gonder’s important churches. Religious ceremonies were held on the roof.
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More Attractions in Gonder
Iyasu’s Palace
Look for the skeletal remains of the Palace of Iyasu I. Known for his quick and piercing wit, Iyasu I is considered the greatest ruler of the Gonderine period. His palace used to be sumptuously decorated with gilded Venetian mirrors and chairs. Gold leaf, ivory and beautiful paintings adorned the walls. Not much of this grandeur remains today, but as you wander through the ruins, it's fascinating to reflect, and imagine what once surrounded the very ground you're walking upon.
Fasilides' Bath
Fasilides’ Bath (often call Fasil Mewagna by the locals), is one of the more famous historic buildings in Gonder, and one of the few that retains a function today. The pool, empty for much of the year, sits in front of a small castle-like outpost, and surrounded by thick tree roots that wind around the stone walls around the site. Fasilides' Bath is the centre for the annual Timkat celebrations in Gondar, when the bath is filled and thousands of pilgrims arrive to take part in the festivities. Timkat is the celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ - an event mimicked during the celebrations.
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Known for its beautiful examples of Ethiopian church art, Debre Birhan Selassie was built in the 17th Century by Emperor Eyasu II. Debre Birhan, Amharic for Mountain of Light, was the Emperor’s nickname. Built of stone and contained under a two-tiered thatched roof, every centimetre of the wall and roof is covered by paintings which depict biblical scenes, saints, and icons of the Holy Trinity. Debre Birhan is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Ethiopia, and has a deep-rooted history.
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