Ethiopia - Gondar

Gondar
The medieval capital of Ethiopia

Gondar remained a centre for Culture and trade for two centuries. Founded by Emperor Fasilidas in 1636, it is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. The most famous buildings in the city lie in the seventeenth century Royal Enclosure, including Fasilides castle, Mentewab's Castle, Iyasu's Palace, Dawit's Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, a chancellery, library and three churches.

Near the city lie Fasiladas' Bath, home to an annual ceremony where it is blessed and then opened for bathing; the Qusquam complex, built by Empress Mentewab; the eighteenth century Ras Mikael Sehul's Palace .Debra Berhan Selassie Church, in particular, represents a masterpiece of the contemporary school of art.

Gondar Flanked by twin mountain streams at an altitude of more than 2,300 meters, Gondar commands spectacular views over farmlands to the gleaming waters of Lake Tana.

The city retains an atmosphere of antique charm mingled with an impression of mystery and violence.

Village Wolleka - home of the Falashas or Ethiopian Jews Six km north of Gonder on the way to the Simien Mountains, is little village Wolleka, once the home of the Falashas or Ethiopian Jews.