Gondar is a city in Ethiopia located north of Lake Tana on the Lesser Angereb River and southwest of the Simien Mountains. The city previously served as the capital of the Ethiopian Empire and the subsequent Begemder Province. Gondar has been a strong Christian kingdom for many years. The city holds the remains of several royal castles, including those in Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), for which Gondar has earned the title “Camelot of Africa”. Gondar is also a noted center of ecclesiastical learning of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and known for having 44 churches – for many years more than any other settlement in Ethiopia.

Gondar and its surrounding countryside constitute the homeland of most Ethiopian Jews. The most famous buildings in the city lie in the Royal Enclosure and include Fasilides’ castle, Iyasu’s palace, Dawit’s Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, Empress Mentewab’s castle, a chancellery, library and three churches. Near the city lie Fasilides’ Bath, home to an annual ceremony where it is blessed and then opened for bathing. The best time to visit Gondar is from mid-October to Early-April. This period accounts for the most favorable weather conditions.

TBA