Fasilides' Bath
ፋሲለደስ ጥምቀተ ባሕር
A royal pool with a two-tiered stone pavilion, its walls wrapped in fig tree roots, and the country's most spectacular Timkat baptism site each year.
The bath lies about 2 km northwest of Gondar city. It is part of the Fasil Ghebbi World Heritage site and is said to have been built by Emperor Fasilides. A two-story stone pavilion stands in the middle of the rectangular pool, while the surrounding stone walls are wrapped in aerial roots of fig trees, creating a striking scene. The pool is normally empty. Each January, before Timkat (Epiphany), water is channeled in from a nearby river to fill it, and on the festival day, large crowds of worshippers jump into the pool to relive their baptism. Entry is included in the Royal Enclosure combined ticket or can be bought separately. The security situation in Amhara Region is volatile, so check China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest safety advisories before you travel.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Kuskuam Palace
- Gondar Piazza
- Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar
- Debre Berhan Selassie Church
- Wolleka Falasha Village
- Kossoye Viewpoint