Gondar

Adventure Holidays to Gondar

Gondar is the former capital of Ethiopia and is famous for its imposing castles, built in the 17 and 18th century by several generations of Ethiopia’s kings. Once the seat of Ethiopian emperors, the walled Fasil Ghebbi fortress and palace compound contains the immense 17th-century castle of Emperor Fasilides, combining Portuguese, Indian and local architectural styles. Nearby is Debre Birhan Selassie church with its sensational angelic ceiling, and the bathhouse of Fasilides where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January.This is one of the greatest festivals in world and the most important day in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. Crowds gather at Facilides baths whose water has been blessed by priests, and young men dive into the water to symbolise the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Here we also visit the Kindu Trust, a local organisation which works with disadvantaged children, their families and communities.