Gonder, its History, Style and Inspiring Scenery
January 6th, 2009 | by addis portal |I would say that the main feature of Ethiopian towns is their diversity. Addis is modern, big, crowded and hilly, where Harar is a walled city with its roots firmly set in medieval times. Axum by comparison often seems isolated and close to world’s end, while Bahirdar is lush and tranquil.
Gondar Ethiopia is beautiful, breath-taking and impressive. It is art-deco in style and very much Italian. 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.
Gondar Ethiopia is situated in the North - West of Ethiopia, south is Tana Lake and north are the Simien Mountains. With impressive roads to the north and east many tourists travel to Gondar from Bahirdar, Axum or over the Simien Mountain range.
This is the best of what can be experienced in the Abyssinian plateau, but one should be prepared to travel over some rough roads found in this part of northern Ethiopia. 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 climbs and falls with sharp bends that go on for much longer than any map would suggest. The road traverses the high Simien Mountain range, which makes it another obligatory destination for tourists.
Trekking in Simien is a blooming attraction, 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 people looking for a glimpse of an ancient past Gondar has a great deal to offer including breathtaking views.
The Gondarine Empire
Gonder came into being as a trading post on the long distance routes that merchants used to carry gold, ivory and slaves. It is hard to establish when the place started to function as an urban center.
What is clear, is that the beginning of its importance is closely linked with the shift in the seat of power in the empire in the 17th century. From that point in time, Gonder began to be the first capital of Ethiopia since the Axumite Empire.
Before the rise of Gonder successive Emperors along with their courtiers would exercise powers from nomadic encampments. Gonder remained at the center of political power in the Empire until the middle of the 19th century and then the town was abandoned and slowly deteriorated.
Italians came to Ethiopia in 1936. They started and won a bloody war, and occupied the country. Emperor Selassie I, conscious that staying in Ethiopia would result in his execution, fled to Europe. By this time Gondar was a place of the past, with its castles left to fall into disrepair.
The town however charmed and attracted Italians the most. Those who killed its people and settled in their country brought about a new beginning for Gondar. They made it the capital of the newly formed Amhara region and started building houses: hotels, residences, administration offices.
They even constructed an artificial lake, so that the Governor of the province had a view from his residency, which has since become one of Gonder’s most desirable hotels. Under the Italian influence the town developed an art-deco style, where Italian coffee houses and restaurants were plentiful and they are up-to-this day.
About the Author
Hanna Rubinkowska (PhD) has traveled extensively throughout Ethiopia. She lectures at Warsaw University, Department of African Languages and Cultures.
You can find more information on travel to ethiopia at ethiopiantour.com or you can follow the continuation about the castles and ruins at gondar ethiopia where you will also find more information and facts about travel to Ethiopia.
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