City of Gondar
Gondar is a historic royal city of Ethiopia, in the northern Amhara region. It was the home of many emperors and princesses who ruled the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century, including Suseneos, Fasiledes, Empress Mentwab, Iyasu I, Tewodros II and Empress Taitu. Leading the list of its attractions is Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), containing several castles and palaces from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Gondar
From airport tourists must take a seat in a shared van/ taxi to go the city (200 birr).
Due to the high altitude, the climate here may be wet and cold depends of the season.
Gondar is a small town so visitors can move on foot. There are small shops to buy groceries and phone accesories.
Although the town is safe, it's not recommended walking at nights in dark streets. Be patient with locals that want to sell or offer tourist packages.
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What to visit
Fasil Ghebbi or the Royal Enclosure founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides (Fasil) and was the home of Ethiopia's emperors. The complex houses 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.
Schedule: 8.30 am-12.30 pm, 1.30 pm-6 pm Monday-Sunday Price: 100 birr.
Fasilides Bath. It was built by Fasilides who used it as his personal bath. Nowadays it is used for the re-enactment of Timket, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo celebration of Epiphany on January 19. Timket celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. During this festival, the water is blessed by the bishop before everyone dives in to take a dip.
Schedule: 8.30am-6pm Monday-Sunday Price: The entrance fee is included in the price of a Royal Enclosure ticket. It's a little far far so it's recommendable take a bajaj (10-30 birr).
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Debre Birhan Selassie Church. The original church was was built by Emperor Eyasu II, grandson of the great Emperor Fasilides, in the 17th century. The present day church was rebuilt in the 1880s following damage by marauding Sudanese Dervishes. It's considered one of the most beautiful church in Ethiopia due to its painted images that cover every inch of wall and ceiling.
Schedule: 7.30 am-12.30p, 1.30pm-5.30pm Monday-Sunday Price: 100 birr. It's a little far so it's recommendable take a bajaj (10-25 birr).
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Restaurants (eat for 160 birr)
Senait Coffee Shop. A small shop in front of the Royal Enclosure exit. They can also help you with Simien Mountains trekkings.
Four Sisters Restaurant. Best place to eat Ethiopian style dishes, reasonable value.
Taye Belay Gondar Hotel. They offer European style dishes, reasonable value.
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Accomodation for backpackers
Belegez Pension. A room with bathroom (287 birr).
Queen Taytu Pension. A room with bathroom (200 birr).
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Buy SIM Card in Piazza, Tele Café outside Ethio Telecom Office
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