Gondar is a modern city in Ethiopia which in today's time is famous
for its tourist attractions which mainly consists of historical buildings,
massive castles and churches, in particular, Debra Berhan Selassie which
represents a masterpiece of the Gondarene school of art. A trip to Gondar will
take you back to the medieval times and Ethiopian art and culture. Gondar is
probably the most immediately impressive of Ethiopia's major ex-capitals, but it
is perhaps less enduringly memorable than either Aksum (Axum) or Lalibela.
Location:
Gondar lies on the historical route in the north-west Ethiopia, north of Lake Tana.
History:
Gondar (Ethiopia) was founded around 1635 by the Ethiopian Emperor Fasilidas who used Gondar as his residence and then moved his capital here in 1636 AD. No one knows exactly why Fasilidas chose to establish his headquarters there. By the late 1640s he had built a great castle in Gondar, the recently restored Fasilides Palace. With its large towers and looming battle walls it looks as if a piece of medieval Europe has been transported to Ethiopia.
Architecture and Attractions:
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the palace, surrounded by an impressive 900-m wall, stands in a compound filled with juniper and wild olive trees, amid Enqulal Gemb, or Egg Castle, named after its domed roof, the royal archive, many impressive churches and monasteries and a stable. These exemplify architecture that is marked by both Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style that the Jesuit missionaries brought to Gondar, and have earned the city the nickname :The Ethiopian Camelot".
A little away from the city to the north-west, by the Qaha river, are the Fusillades Baths. A two storied, rustic battlement sits on the steps leading to a rectangular pool, while the bathing pavilion stands on the pier arches and contains several rooms that may be reached via a stone bridge, part of which could be raised for defense in the times of battle.
Gonder (Ethiopia) lasted two centuries as a capital, cultural and political centre. It has now become a tourist attraction for its Portuguese influenced architecture and historical interest.
Famous Buildings:
The most famous buildings in the city of Gondar lie in the seventeenth century
Royal Enclosure, including Fasilides castle, Iyasu's Palace, Dawit's Hall, a
banqueting hall, stables, Mentewab's Castle, a chancellery, library and three
churches.
Good time to Go:
The months of September, October and November are the best months to visit
Gondar (Ethiopia).
