Natural, cultural, historic or religious heritages offer immense and huge economic value apart from portraying identity. Ethiopia is highly blessed in this regard. The country is one of major tourist destinations in the world. Its historical and religious places, unexplored natural resources, traditional and cultural heritages coupled with its friendly people, the country is truly an ideal place to visit.
Not only that, country’s manmade heritages, such as the Oblisks of Aksum, Hara Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town, Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Konso Cultural Landscape, are among the other notable blessings of the nation that astonish visitors. The fortress, Fasil Ghebbi that is located in Amhara State in Gondar Town and built in the 16th and 17th centuries is the other stunning site that is winning the hearts and minds of visitors.
As studies indicate, the fortress was founded by a representative of the Solomonic Dynasty – Negus (Emperor) Fasilidas in 1636. Negus Fasilidas was an important figure in the history of his country, because he was the first emperor who founded the permanent Ethiopian capital. Until then, the Ethiopian rulers practiced wandering from one place to another, living a nomadic lifestyle in tents together with their subjects over many centuries.
Surrounded by a 900-m-long wall, the city contains palaces, churches, monasteries and unique public and private buildings marked by Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style brought to Gondar by the Jesuit missionaries.
The city-fortress Gondar and Fasil Ghebbi situated within its territory was the Ethiopian capital to nearly 1855. In this period the castle complex has grown to enormous size, because after all, according to tradition, the Ethiopian monarch should not have been lived in a palace of his predecessor, but should build his own residence. The complex of buildings includes Fasilides’ castle, Iyasu I’s palace, Dawit III’s Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, Empress Mentewab’s castle, a chancellery, library and three churches: Asasame Qeddus Mikael, Elfign Giyorgis and Gemjabet Mariyam.
Legend has it that the city was built in a place pointed out to the Emperor Fasilidas by a buffalo, who led him to the picturesque foothills during a hunt. This is the place where a small settlement called Gondar was located at an altitude of over 2000 meters above the sea level, surrounded by the two mountain streams near the beautiful Lake of Tana. Gondar was destined to become the historical and cultural center of the country.
The construction of Fasil Ghebbi, which was enrapturing the travellers of this era with its verve and majestic appearance, began in 1636. The castle complex included not only the living quarters of the ruler but also the temples, libraries, gardens, banquet hall, a complex of swimming pools, stables and other buildings.
Fasil Ghebbi was protected by a round stone wall fitted with 12 gated with towers above them. The main castle Fasil Ghebbi – the palace of Fasilidas, completed at the beginning of 1640s resembled European medieval castles thanks to its massive towers and crenellated walls. In addition, the palace had two floors, which was a novelty in traditional architecture of Ethiopia. Each successive ruler of Ethiopia has brought something new into the appearance of the castle complex, erecting palaces and temples, many of which have survived to the present day.
An exceptional activity was showed by the grandson of Fasilidas – the Emperor Iyasu I the Great, delighting by his wealth and piety. The interiors of the palace were decorated with ivory sculptures, numerous mirrors and paintings; the ceiling of the imperial seat was covered with gold leaves and precious stones.
The castle’s structure is purely made of stone and it is definitely a representation of Ethiopia’s history and great architectural skill. Once the epicenter of Ethiopian politics and power, the castle is known for its unique architecture, the Fasilides Castle is the most remarkable and amazing site as it wonders tourists how this enormous castle was built during the early times and how it battled to remain standing until the 21st century. Currently, a preservation task group is taking care of this castle as well as the other castles and churches in Gondar in order to maintain their ancient beauty.
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
The Ethiopian Herald June 5/2021
