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Gonder
Gonder was the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia, and
is notable for its medieval Castles and churches. The City's unique
imperial compound contains a number of Castles built between 1632
and 1855 by the various Emperors who reigned during this period.
These dramatic castles, unlike any other African, display a richness
in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the
influence of Arabia.
Other treasure of
Gonder include the 18th Century palace of Ras Beit, the
bath of Fasilades, the reuined palace of Kusquam, and the church of
Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals
Description
Gondar is 50 kilometres north of Lake Tana, 500 kilometres north of
Addis Ababa and nestles in the foothills of the Simien mountains at
2,200 metres above sea level. Gondor was the capital of Ethiopia
from the rise of Fasilades to the fall of Tewodros (1855-68) which
is reflected in the many castles and palaces in the city.
Attractions
Castles
The city's main imperial precinct, known as the Royal Enclosure,
covers an area of 7.7 hectares and contains five castles, raised
walkways and connecting tunnels surrounded by high stone walls.
The oldest of these is the Castle of Fasilades. Built of stone in
the mid-17th century it reflects a number of influences, Axumite,
Portuguese and Indian. The upper storey offers panoramic views and
Lake Tana is visible on a clear day. The castle has been renovated
recently.
Fasilades grandson, Lyasu the great, built his own castle and
decorated it with ivory, gold and precious stones but an earthquake
in the early 19th caused severe damage.
Other Attractions
The palace of Ras Beit, was built in the 18th century as a private
residence of the famous king maker, Ras Mikael Sehul and has been in
continuos occupation ever since.
Bath of Fasilades is a sunken pool still used for the Timkat
Festival in January.
Accommodation
Abba
Jelli Hotel, clean, good value with views of the castles.
Fasilades, on the airport road. Clean and friendly, safe parking for
vehicles and a good restaurant.
Patrice Lumumba, close to the piazza/telecommunications bldg (near
the Misrak), the sign is in Amharic You can barter over the price of
the hotel, restaurant attached.
Yimam, good value and with a restaurant next door. Also has safe
parking facility for vehicles.
There are many other E-grade range hotels in the vicinity of the
piazza/telecom buildings.
Fagera Hotel, basic, originally built by one of Mussolini's fascists
as a villa, spacious rooms.
Misrak Pension, Woreda 1, Kebeale 2, No 217, PO Box 391.
Where
to Eat
Quara Hotel, government run hotel with restaurant. Good value.
Tele Club, next to the stairs of the Post Office -coffee, bread,
excellent breakfasts.
Ethiopia Cafe, charming, old fashioned, ground floor of hotel,
packed all day, excellent coffee.
There are many other cheap cafes in the city centre. Many of the
cheap hotels also offer food
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