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Gondar
(Ethiopia)
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635. The town is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. The earliest of the castles, churches and other structures are located in the Royal Enclosure built by Fasiladas, which forms the main tourist site in Gondar.
Besides the famous palaces, Gondar is also known for the "Bath Palace of Emperor Fasiladas", built just outside Gondar in the valley of Qaha, which is still used for the annual Timket or Epiphany celebrations. The Church of Debre Birhan Selassie (Abbey of the Light of Trinity), built by the grandson of Fasiladas, is famous for the mural paintings on the ceiling.
Downtown Gondar shows the influence of the Italian occupation of the late 1930s. The main piazza features shops, a cinema, and other public buildings in a simplified Italian Modern style still distinctive of the period, despite later changes and, frequently, neglect. Villas and flats in the nearby quarter that once housed occupation officials and colonists are also of interest.
In and around Gondar
The main sights to see are the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas’ Bath and the church of Debre Birhan Selassie. The Simien Mountains are easily accessible from Gondar and it is also recommended that you go for a half or full day walk in the mountains around Gondar itself.
Other regions in Ethiopia
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years.
Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which protects over 2,400 square kilometres of pristine plains, woodlands and bush land, is home to a multitude of unique flora and fauna species, as well as several endemic species of mammal.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes.
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635.
Harar is considered a Muslim holy city, and within its walls are no less then 90 mosques.
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities
The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia is home to a number of tribes, living life much like they have for centuries.
The Simiens, which includes Ras Deshen is Ethiopia's highest mountain, are in the north-western corner of the country.
Example itineraries in Gondar
Historic Route and short Simiens Mountains Extension
Historic Route and Simien Mountains, visiting Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Simien Mountains. Prices from £1605 per person if there are two travelling. Price decreases as group size grows. Flights excluded - please ask for a fare quote.
Historic Route Ethiopia visiting Axum, Lalibela, Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Gondar. Prices from £1170 per person if there are two travelling. Price decreases as group size grows. Flights excluded - please ask for a fare quote.
