Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region
Location: Gondar, Ethiopia
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: Fasil Ghebbi was the residence of Ethiopia's emperors during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is a walled city located in Gondar, Ethiopia, and is known for its unique and well-preserved architecture. Fasil Ghebbi was the center of political and social activity during its time and played an important role in Ethiopian history.
Prominent Features: Fasil Ghebbi includes a number of notable structures, including:
Fasilides' Castle: This castle was built by Emperor Fasilides in the early 17th century and served as his residence. It is one of the most impressive structures in Fasil Ghebbi and is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.
The Royal Enclosure: This area of Fasil Ghebbi includes a number of structures, including several castles and palaces, as well as a banquet hall and a library. The Royal Enclosure was the center of political and social activity during its time and played an important role in Ethiopian history.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church: This church is located within the walls of Fasil Ghebbi and is known for its impressive murals and artwork. It was built in the 17th century and is still in use today.
History: Fasil Ghebbi was built during the reign of Emperor Fasilides in the early 17th century. It served as the residence of Ethiopia's emperors during the 16th and 17th centuries and was the center of political and social activity during its time. Fasil Ghebbi played an important role in Ethiopian history and was the site of many important events and ceremonies.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many structures within Fasil Ghebbi, including the castle, palaces, and church. They can also learn about Ethiopian history and culture through guided tours and cultural events.
Fun Fact: Fasil Ghebbi is known for its unique and well-preserved architecture, which combines influences from various cultures and time periods.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Fasil Ghebbi is 100 Ethiopian birr (approximately 3 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: From Addis Ababa
By Plane: Visitors can fly into Gondar Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers away from Fasil Ghebbi.
By Bus: Visitors can take a bus from Addis Ababa to Gondar and then take a taxi or a local bus to Fasil Ghebbi.
From Lalibela
By car: You can hire a private car or take a shared taxi from Lalibela to Gondar. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and the road is mostly unpaved, so it can be bumpy.
By bus: There are daily buses that run between Lalibela and Gondar. The journey takes around 6-7 hours and the buses are generally basic but comfortable.
Where to Stay: There are many options for accommodation in and around Gondar, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Some popular options include the Goha Hotel, the Gondar Hills Resort, and the AG Hotel.
Next Stop: Simien National Park
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: Fasil Ghebbi was the residence of Ethiopia's emperors during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is a walled city located in Gondar, Ethiopia, and is known for its unique and well-preserved architecture. Fasil Ghebbi was the center of political and social activity during its time and played an important role in Ethiopian history.
Prominent Features: Fasil Ghebbi includes a number of notable structures, including:
Fasilides' Castle: This castle was built by Emperor Fasilides in the early 17th century and served as his residence. It is one of the most impressive structures in Fasil Ghebbi and is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.
The Royal Enclosure: This area of Fasil Ghebbi includes a number of structures, including several castles and palaces, as well as a banquet hall and a library. The Royal Enclosure was the center of political and social activity during its time and played an important role in Ethiopian history.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church: This church is located within the walls of Fasil Ghebbi and is known for its impressive murals and artwork. It was built in the 17th century and is still in use today.
History: Fasil Ghebbi was built during the reign of Emperor Fasilides in the early 17th century. It served as the residence of Ethiopia's emperors during the 16th and 17th centuries and was the center of political and social activity during its time. Fasil Ghebbi played an important role in Ethiopian history and was the site of many important events and ceremonies.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the many structures within Fasil Ghebbi, including the castle, palaces, and church. They can also learn about Ethiopian history and culture through guided tours and cultural events.
Fun Fact: Fasil Ghebbi is known for its unique and well-preserved architecture, which combines influences from various cultures and time periods.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Fasil Ghebbi is 100 Ethiopian birr (approximately 3 USD) per person.
How to Reach It: From Addis Ababa
By Plane: Visitors can fly into Gondar Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers away from Fasil Ghebbi.
By Bus: Visitors can take a bus from Addis Ababa to Gondar and then take a taxi or a local bus to Fasil Ghebbi.
From Lalibela
By car: You can hire a private car or take a shared taxi from Lalibela to Gondar. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and the road is mostly unpaved, so it can be bumpy.
By bus: There are daily buses that run between Lalibela and Gondar. The journey takes around 6-7 hours and the buses are generally basic but comfortable.
Where to Stay: There are many options for accommodation in and around Gondar, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Some popular options include the Goha Hotel, the Gondar Hills Resort, and the AG Hotel.
Next Stop: Simien National Park