Gondar, Medieval castles in Gondar, Ethiopia
The Royal Enclosure contains multiple stone castles and fortifications spread across 70,000 square meters, surrounded by a 900-meter-long defensive wall.
Emperor Fasilides established Gondar as Ethiopia's capital in 1636, constructing a series of palaces that became the center of imperial power for two centuries.
The Debre Birhan Selassie Church displays Ethiopian religious art through ceiling paintings of 80 cherubic faces and wall murals depicting biblical scenes.
Gondar's elevation at 2,133 meters provides mild temperatures throughout the year, with domestic flights connecting the city to Addis Ababa in one hour.
Fasilides Bath, a stone pool surrounded by towers, transforms into a ceremonial baptismal site during the January Timkat festival.
Location: Gondar
Location: Semien Gondar Zone
Inception: 1635
Elevation above the sea: 2,133 m
Website: https://gondar.gov.et
GPS coordinates: 12.61037,37.46677
Latest update: June 17, 2025 18:50
Ethiopia features medieval churches in Lalibela, mountain ranges in Simien National Park and ancient obelisks in Axum. The Danakil region displays sulfur springs and salt plains. The historic city of Harar Jugol and Bale Mountains complement the geological and cultural elements. Monasteries on Lake Tana islands, volcanic areas and national parks present the natural and architectural diversity of Ethiopia.
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