Highlights: Gondar, Northern Region of Ethiopia
Gondar
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Worth Noting:
Type:
- Religious sites
- Historical sites
- Museums
Difficulty:
- Moderate level of fitness
Park Fees:
- Under 50 USD
About Gondar
Established as the capital by Emperor Fasiladas in 1636, Gondar was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia until the 1860s. The castles and palaces built during these years have led Gondar to be referred to as the Camelot of Africa, and to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the demise of the Axumite Empire, when the capital had been at Axum, Ethiopia had had no capital; Ethiopian emperors had moved around the country, living in tented royal camps. Emperor Fasiladas changed this, choosing a strategic hilltop location for his new capital and emphasising his might by building imposing and impressive bastions.
The most striking collection of castles is known as Fasil Ghebbi, or the Royal Enclosure. With six stone castles, three historic churches and a collection of lesser buildings, the compound has much of interest and is awash with myths and stories. Memorable characters abound, such as the Empress Mentewab, self-appointed regent for her son and grandson; Ras Mikael, who strangled the infant Emperor Iyoas I, appointed the elderly Emperor Yohannes II in his place, then six months later poisoned him; and Emperor Tewedros II who sacked the city, believing it to be a hotbed of resentment and rebellion, and moved his capital elsewhere.
Fasiladas’ Pool is a sunken bathing pool surrounding a ceremonial structure thought to have been Fasiladas’ second residence. The building and its shimmering reflections are lovely at any time, most especially during Timkat – Ethiopian Epiphany – when locals plunge into the water as a part of the celebrations. Debre Berhan Selassie, Mountain of the Enlightened Trinity, is one of the loveliest Ethiopian churches, dated to the 1690s.
Other Highlights In The Northern Region
The most famous site in Ethiopia, and the one that arguably no visitor should miss, is Lalibela. Sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, visited as a pilgrimage site by many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. ...
The jutting rocks and cliffs of Tigrey region are striking formations in themselves, made even more remarkable by the churches cut into many of their peaks. Some of these churches are dated to even earlier than those of Lalibela, possibly from the 4th century AD. The region, once known for ...
Once the capital of the Axumite Empire, Axum, also known as Aksum, was once a major trading centre with ties to Persia, Arabia, India and Rome. The Empire’s heyday was from the 1st to the 7th centuries AD, during which time the kingdom became known as Ethiopia. In ...
Formed before the formation of the Rift Valley, the Simian Mountains were created by an outpouring of lava after a volcanic eruption between 40 and 25 million years ago, while the dramatic escarpment was created by an extended up-thrust that could have happened as much as 75 million years ago. The mountains are ...
Established as the capital by Emperor Fasiladas in 1636, Gondar was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia until the 1860s. The castles and palaces built during these years have led Gondar to be referred to as the Camelot of Africa, and to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the demise ...
On the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, Bahir Dar is an attractive palm-lined town. Lake Tana is dotted with islands, some of which have monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian church. ...
Accommodations Near Gondar
In the centre of Gondar, within walking distance of some of the historic sites of the town, AG Hotel offers convenient accommodation in the Camelot of Africa. The 45 en-suite rooms are made up of standard, queen, king and presidential. All rooms have TV, intercom telephone and Wifi. The restaurant serves ...
Located near the University of Gondar, Florida International Hotel is a distinctive green and white 4-floor building in Gondar. The 60 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles, executive suites and presidential suites. All rooms have a desk, and are equipped with Wifi, satellite TV, fridge, safe and a card ...
Set high on a hilltop, Goha Hotel has stunning views over Gondar and beyond. The 82 en-suite rooms are made up of twins, doubles, suites and family rooms. The rooms, along long corridors, are adorned with traditional art and furnished with desk and intercom telephone. The suites include a living area, ...
The name Mayleko comes from the home of the ancient kings and queens of Ethiopia. This eco-lodge is situated against the backdrop of the Dilha Mountains, and looks down on Gondar. The 31 en-suite rooms are made up of standard and bungalows. The lodge is traditionally constructed using sustainable and recycled ...
Taye Belay Hotel stands opposite the Fasiladas Castles, making it an ideal location to explore the wonders of Gondar. The hotel opened in 2010. The 79 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles, twins and suites. All rooms have Wifi, and heating and cooling systems, and are equipped with safe, hairdryer ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Zobel, Emperor Fasilidas’ favourite horse, has given his name to this resort. Designed by an experimental architect, the resort stands in circles with the rooms in the outer ring, ensuring that every room has a striking view. The resort was established in 2018. The 73 en-suite rooms are made up of 19 singles, 22 ...
Established in 2019, Gondar Hills Resort is high on a hill with 360° views of the town and its surroundings. The resort, at the end of a winding cobbled drive, has been designed so its cottages, restaurant, swimming pool and gardens all have eye-catching views. The 33 en-suite spacious stone cottages are set ...