A Traveler’s Review of Gonder, its History, Style and Inspiring Scenery
One aspect that sets many Ethiopian towns apart is their variety. Addis Ababa is a large modern energetic city set against a hilly backdrop, whereas 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 offers the traveler lush tranquility.
Breathtakingly beautiful Gondar Ethiopia is typically Italian and art-deco in style. Whatever destinations travelers plan to visit Gondar Ethiopia should definitely be on their must see list.
No surprise, as the city is really a special place with the 17th Century castles resembling Disney animation, wide roads and interesting architecture of the 1930s. One can also be tempted to linger much longer than planned by the sights and scents of a vast array of colorful flowers.
Gondar Ethiopia is situated in the North – West of Ethiopia, south is Tana Lake and north are the Simien Mountains. Tourists come here traveling between Bahirdar and Simien or Axum. Those who do not intend to go further north, take a turn here east to Lalibela. Both the road going north and east from Gondar is astonishing.
This part of the Abyssinian plateau provides one of the greatest adventures in this region but one should be prepared to travel over some rough roads found in this part of northern Ethiopia. The road to Axum, built by the Italians during there occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930’s is to this day, still regarded as a great achievement. 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, and that makes it a firm favorite with travelers.
Trekking over the Simien Mountains is becoming more popular, calling more and more on those who try to find the last forgotten spots in the world. This is undoubtedly one of those places, but for how long will it remain so ?
It does not matter how one gets to Gondar, you will find it alluring and want to stay longer. For the traveler seeking to immerse themselves in history it is a location rich in ancient history and stunning scenic 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.
During the so called “Gondarine Empire” and for some time after, the Emperor traveled with his court and ruled from pitched encampments. Gonder functioned as a political center of the Empire until the mid-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 Haile Selassie I, concerned that staying in the country would mean death to him and those close to him, left to Europe and continued political struggle for his country. 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 attracted Italians the most. The settlement of the Italians began a new chapter in Gondar’s long history. They made it the capital of the newly formed Amhara region and began the construction of houses, hotels and government buildings.
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 as they still are to this day.
About the Author
Dr. Hanna Rubinkowska has plenty of travel experience to Ethiopia. A lecturer at Warsaw University, Department of African Languages and Cultures she specializes in the history of Ethiopia.
Visit ethiopiantour.com for more information on an ethiopian tour or you can read the second part of this story at gonder ethiopia where on an ethiopian blog we also have other travel reviews and facts about Ethiopia.
