Gonder was founded by King Fasiledes in 1636, it was the capital of Ethiopia for nearly 200 years, reflected by its castle compound, that include number of palace. The most famous buildings in Gonder, lie in the seventeenth century Royal Enclosure including: Fasilides Castle, Mentewabs Castle, Iyasus Palace and Dawits Hall Palace.Gondar was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia, and is notable for its Medieval Castles and churches. The city’s unique Imperial compound contains a number of Castles built between 1632 and 1855 by various Emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic Castles, unlike any other in Africa, display richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia.
The architecture is reflecting a number of influences, mainly Axumite, Portuguese and East Indian. The Castle upper storey offers panoramic views and Lake Tana, Simien Mountains Park are easily accessible from Gondar town.
Gondar is located just 50km north of Lake Tana and 700km north of Addis Ababa is nestle in the foothills of the Semien Mountains on altitude of 2200m above the sea.
There were 44 churches in Gondar. Churches of Gondar are known for their wonderful Gondariane paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie and Kusquam are the most visited churches in Gondar.
Other treasures of Gondar include the 18th century palace of Ras Bet, the bath of Fasiledes, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals.