Gondar Ethiopia the Hidden Treasure
December 26th, 2008 | by addis portal |One aspect that sets many Ethiopian towns apart is their variety. Probably the best known is Addis Ababa, large and bustling, whereas Harar is a medieval walled city which seems to take you back in time. Axum by comparison often seems isolated and close to world’s end, while Bahirdar offers the traveler lush tranquility.
Breathtakingly beautiful Gondar Ethiopia is typically Italian and art-deco in style. It is on the list of must-to-be-seen in Ethiopia for every traveler. Whichever route tourists take, Gondar is always one of the destinations.
Gondar is re-known for its 300 year old Disney like castles and absorbing architecture from the 1930’s. It also offers an amazing array of colorful flowers that tempt one to stay a lot longer than planned.
Located in the NW of Ethiopia, Gondar lies between Lake Tana to the south and the Simien Mountain range to the north. 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 one should not underestimate the difficulty of traveling along these northern roads. Built in the 1930’s during the occupation by the Italians, the road to Axum is to this day, still regarded as a great achievement. The road twists and turns 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 obligatory destination for tourists.
Trekking in Simien is a blooming attraction, tempting those who want the adventure of visiting one of the few remaining un-spoilt travel destinations. This is undoubtedly one of those places, but for how long will it remain so ?
Reaching Gondar finally, no matter from which direction, most are tempted to stay here for a bit longer. It is attractive. For those people looking for a glimpse of an ancient past it offers up glimpses of a rich past set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring views.
Ethiopia’s Capital
Gonder came into being as a trading post on the long distance routes that merchants used to carry gold, ivory and slaves. It is difficult to determine the precise time at which Gondar became such an important trading hub.
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.
During the so called “Gondarine Empire” and for some time after, the Emperor traveled with his court and ruled from pitched encampments. Gonder remained at the center of political power in the Empire until the middle of the 19th century and soon after, the town was cast aside and fell into decline.
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 staying in Ethiopia would result in his execution, escaped to Europe to continue his struggle in excile. By the time of occupation by Italy, Gondar had been long forgotten, with its castles left to fall into disrepair.
But this town charmed and became a favorite place of the Italian occupiers. Those who destroyed the country and killed its people began a new chapter in Gondar’s long history. They made it the capital of the newly formed Amhara region and started building houses: hotels, residences, administration offices.
An artificial lake was also built so that the Governor of the province had a view from his residency, what is now one of the most attractive Gonder hotels. The town was created in an art-deco style, where Italian-style coffee places and restaurants were plenty as they still are to this day.
About the Author
Dr. Rubinkowska travels frequently to Ethiopia. A lecturer at Warsaw University, Department of African Languages and Cultures she specializes in the history of Ethiopia.
More information on ethiopia travel is available at ethiopiantour.com or you can read the second part of this story at gondar ethiopia where you will also find more information and facts about travel to Ethiopia.
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