The most unique aspect of many towns and cities in Ethiopia is their distinctiveness. Addis Ababa is a large modern energetic city set against a hilly backdrop, whereas Harar is a medieval walled city which seems to take you back in time. In stark contrast to Addis Ababa is Axum a town located somewhere in the middle of nowhere, while Bahirdar is relaxed and tropical.
Breathtakingly beautiful Gonder Ethiopia is typically Italian and art-deco in style. Gonder Ethiopia is one of those must-see places for travelers.
Gondar is re-known for its 300 year old Disney like castles and absorbing architecture from the 1930’s. One can also be tempted to linger much longer than planned by the sights and scents of a vast array of colorful flowers.
Gonder Ethiopia is located in the northwest region of Ethiopia with the Simien Mountains to the north and Lake Tana to the south. Travelers generally come here from Axum, Bahirdar or Simien and if not going further north turn eastward to Lalibela. The road north and east of Gondar is stunning.
This region is among the best experiences of Ethiopia but is the most difficult to travel if we are talking about the main roads in the north of Ethiopia. Built in the 1930’s during the occupation by the Italians, the road to Axum is a masterful piece of engineering. The road climbs and falls taking incredible bends for many more kilometers than the crow fly would suggest. It passes over the Simien mountain range, the highest in Ethiopia, which makes it another must stop-over, for any tourist.
Expeditions across the Simien range are more attractive with tourists, appealing to those seeking the last untouched corners of the world. This is without doubt such a spot but only time and careful conservation will keep it that way.
Reaching Gondar finally, no matter from which direction, most are tempted to stay here for a bit longer. It is attractive. For those who travel trying to search traces of history this place unquestionably offers a lot, presenting a perfect offer of breath taking views.
Hub of the Empire
Founded along one of the earliest trading routes, Gondar became a center where slaves, salt and other precious goods like gold and ivory were bought and sold. It is not known exactly when Gondar began life as a trading center.
However, it is obvious that the beginning of its power was connected with moving the Empire’s political center towards the western part of the Abyssinian plateau in the 17th Cent. From that point forward it grew to be the fixed capital of the country, the first since the Axumite empire that predated it.
Before (and also after the so called “Gondarine Empire”), for most of the time the Emperor executed his power traveling together with his court and pitching a camp whenever needed for his purposes. Gonder functioned as a political center of the Empire until the mid-19th Century after which time it was forsaken and slowly declined.
Italians came to Ethiopia in 1936. They started and won a bloody war, and occupied the country. The Emperor, Haile Silassie I, aware of the fact, that to stay in Ethiopia would mean certain death to him and his family, fled to Europe. Gondar was by then the long forgotten place, its ancient castles becoming ruins.
The town however with its healthy climate and its charm became a big attraction to the Italians. Those who killed its people and settled in their country began a new chapter in Gondar’s long history. They pronounced it a capital of a newly established Amhara province and commenced the building of residences, government offices and hotels.
They also created a man-made lake, just to provide the provinces governor with a lakeside residency, what is now one of the most attractive Gonder hotels. Under the Italian influence the town developed an art-deco style, where Italian-style coffee places and restaurants were plenty and that is true to the present day.
About the Author
Hanna Rubinkowska (PhD) has traveled extensively throughout Ethiopia. She specializes in modern history of Ethiopia and currently lectures at Warsaw University, Department of African Languages and Cultures.
You can find more information on an ethiopia tour operator at ethiopiantour.com or read the 2nd part of this article on gonder ethiopia where on an ethiopia website we also have other travel reviews and facts about Ethiopia.
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