Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar
ፋሲል ግቢ
The royal castle complex of the Ethiopian Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, blending Arab, Indian and Portuguese Baroque influences and dubbed the 'Camelot of Africa'.
Gondar lies about 50 km north of Lake Tana. In 1636, Emperor Fasilides made it his capital, and for roughly two centuries it was the political centre of the Ethiopian Empire. The walled royal enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) covers about 70,000 square metres and contains castles, palaces, libraries, halls, stables and steam baths built by successive emperors. The most impressive is Fasilides' Castle, built of basalt with domed corner towers and battlements, showing clear Portuguese-Indian architectural influence. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. About 2 km outside the enclosure is Fasilides' Bath, a square pool with a pavilion; every January, at Timkat (Epiphany), the pool is filled with water and worshippers jump in to relive their baptism in a joyful scene. Another must-see is Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose ceiling is painted with more than 80 winged angel faces, a masterpiece of Ethiopian religious art. Admission varies; check on site, and hiring a licensed guide is recommended. Gondar has an airport about one hour's flight from Addis Ababa; it is also about three hours by car from Bahir Dar. The situation in Amhara Region has been volatile in recent years, so before travelling, check the latest safety advisories from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–18:00
Nearby sights
- Gondar Piazza
- Debre Berhan Selassie Church
- Fasilides' Bath
- Kuskuam Palace
- Wolleka Falasha Village
- Kossoye Viewpoint