Fasilides Castle
Illuminated by late light, Fasilides Castle (Fasil Ghebbi), the first palace, is still the most imposing of the palaces and buildings in the Gondar palace complex, Ethiopia. Usually referred to as the Gondar Castles or Royal Castles, it's properly known as the Fasil Ghebbi UNESCO World Heritage Site for which Gondar has been called the "Camelot of Africa".
Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilides around the year 1635 as his capital. Within the capital, Fasilides ordered the construction of this imposing edifice known as the Fasil Ghebbi or Fasilides Castle. In 1648, a Yemeni traveler, Hassan ibn Ahmad al-Haymi, described it as a magnificent structure made of stone and lime, deemed one of the most beautiful wonders. Subsequent emperors built their own palaces in the complex and added other buildings including a library/archives, theaters, a dining hall, stables, royal guard quarters, and numerous churches. It remained the capital and royal residence until the mid 19th century.
Fasilides Castle
Illuminated by late light, Fasilides Castle (Fasil Ghebbi), the first palace, is still the most imposing of the palaces and buildings in the Gondar palace complex, Ethiopia. Usually referred to as the Gondar Castles or Royal Castles, it's properly known as the Fasil Ghebbi UNESCO World Heritage Site for which Gondar has been called the "Camelot of Africa".
Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilides around the year 1635 as his capital. Within the capital, Fasilides ordered the construction of this imposing edifice known as the Fasil Ghebbi or Fasilides Castle. In 1648, a Yemeni traveler, Hassan ibn Ahmad al-Haymi, described it as a magnificent structure made of stone and lime, deemed one of the most beautiful wonders. Subsequent emperors built their own palaces in the complex and added other buildings including a library/archives, theaters, a dining hall, stables, royal guard quarters, and numerous churches. It remained the capital and royal residence until the mid 19th century.