Fasil Ghebbi

Fasil Ghebbi
Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region, are the remains of a fortress-city that was the residence of the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides and his successors.

The founder of Gondar was Emperor Fasiladas who, tiring of the pattern of migration that had characterised the lifestyle of so many of his forefathers, moved his capital here in 1636 AD. By the late 1640s he had built a great castle here, which stands today in a grassy compound surrounded by other fortresses of later construction. With its huge towers and looming battlemented walls, it seems like a piece of medieval Europe transposed to Ethiopia.

In addition to this castle, Fasiladas is said to have been responsible for the building of a number of other structures. Perhaps the oldest of these is the Enqulal Gemb, or Egg Castle, so named on account of its egg-shaped domed roof. Other buildings include the royal archive and the stable.

Beyond the confines of the city to the north-west by the Qaha River there is another fine building sometimes associated by Fasiladas - a bathing palace. The building is a two-storeyed battlemented structure situated within and on one side of a rectangular pool of water which was supplied by a canal from the nearby river. The bathing pavillion itself stands on pier arches, and contains several rooms which are reached by a stone bridge, part of which could be raised for defence.

Besides such secular buildings, Fasiladas is reputed to have erected no fewer than seven churches, as well as seven bridges.

Year Decision Comments
1979 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1978DeferredBureau - ICOMOS want more info



Visit December 2003

My first view of Gonders heydays fell upon Fasiladas Baths. This pool lies in a rustic setting somewhat out of town. Sitting on the steps leading to the water, you can only imagine how it looks like during a major religious festival.

In the center of town you find the Royal Enclosure. Here four castles and several other buildings from the 17th century remain. Still the most prominent one is that of King Fasilades himself. Round shaped towers characterize this European / Moghul looking castle.

The whole historic area is amazing, and a pleasure to be in. Gonders modern town is also a nice place to spend a few days.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

Reviews

James Larsen (USA):
The road from the south from Bahir Dar goes along Lake Tana up to Gondar. Along the way is a heritage site that has ruins left from a 1500's castle with Portuguese influence where you would never expect to see it. Entering Gondar and seeing this magnificent and very much in tact site with many buildings was well worth the trip. And there are otehr things to do around this area including the famed Church with the angel faces.
Date posted: July 2009
dinberu (ethiopia):
it is amazing for me it is my hertage and it shows our development in the 16 century but now someone ignore thier responsibility becouse so many celebration prepaired in the castle this coases vibration and affects the castle lifespan please give your respect & care to upgrade its attraction andit is not the responsibility of the managment but also to the whole society.
Ilove Gondar& fasil gibe
 
():
Gondar is found in the North- West of Ethiopia about 760km form the capital, Addis Ababa, and 180 km from Bahir Dar.Gondar ,boardered by both International & national boundaries ,is a place where so many tourist attraction sites are found including:Semen Park, Ras Dashen mountain,the palaces of different kings-King Fasiledes,Iyasu ,......In the city you will find different castels of the Empereors.Among those the Fasil castel bulding ,which built by 1632 G.C,found in a compund which has 12 gates.This compund is is surrounded by seven churches.Inside there are different buildings built by different Kings which attract tourists attension both from outside & inside of Ethiopia ,& there, other than visiting these impressive buildigs there is also a library service which started during Empereor Theodros & different historical informations.The people of Gondar is very hospitable like its weather & proud of the heritages .There are different tour agencies who facilitate things especialy for forigne tourists and hotels to accomodet them .Hope i WILL SEE U THERE ONE DAY.
 
():
I LOVE GONDAR
ELSABET BIRKU
( FROM THE HOLLYLAND GONDAR)
 
Theodros B ():
I love ti live in Gondar
Theodros(Germany)
Date posted: May 2006
girmachew (germany):
I love gondar
Date posted: February 2006
Zelalem Fisseha (Ethiopia):
I LOVE GONDAR
 


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