Gondar (also spelled Gonder) is a royal and ancient historical city in Ethiopia. The walled city of Fasil Ghebbi in Gondar is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is part of the famous Ethiopia Historical Circuit. It was the home of many emperors and princesses who led the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century, including Emperor Suseneos, Emperor Fasiledes, Empress Mentwab, Iyasu I, Tewodros II and Empress Taitu. The region is the home of the highest mountain in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen, and the Simien Mountains National Park. The park can be accessed from the village of Debark (100 km NE of Gondar).

Gondar Castle, dubbed the Ethiopian Camelot, is not a single castle, but instead is the name given to the entire complex of castles and palaces in the area. Once you pay 200 Birr (January 2018), which does not include a guide, you can explore all of the buildings inside the so-called royal enclosure. The ticket is also valid at the Fasilides bath.

• Fasilides Castle. Built-in 1640 as the home of King Fasilides.
• Iyasu Palace. This was the home of Iyasu I, the son of Yohannes I. An earthquake and bombings by the British destroyed its once ornate and lavish interior, but the structure itself remains mostly intact and is the largest in the area.
• Mentewab’s Palace(Kusquam). 3 km west of the center. 100 Birr entrance fee. To get there take a blue/white minibus to Gondar Hospital (2 Birr) and walk up the hill or take a bajaj. There are lots of them (2 Birr per person if shared)
• Fasilides Bath. Included in your entrance fee to the Fasilides Castle (you must buy your ticket at the castle before coming here). Separate from the castle, it once served as the bath for King Fasilides. Today it is used as a baptismal during Timket.
• Debre Birhan Selassie Church. A short way out of town, it seems more like a fortress than a church at first glance. This is because the local churches were once vulnerable to attacks by the Sudanese. There are twelve towers guarding this church, each representing one of the twelve apostles. A church was built at this location at the end of the 17th century and destroyed. The church you can see now, dates from the 1880s. It is worth a visit to see its amazing ceiling with intricately painted angels. There are also other religious images on the walls. Churches like this were once quite common in the area, but this is the only church to survive the Sudanese attacks, making it even more of a treasure.Entrance fee: 100 Birr (January 2018).
• Gorgorais a beautiful small town on the northern shore of Lake Tana about 70 km from Gondar. It has some interesting relics from its brief time as Ethiopia’s capital, and the lack of tourists adds to its charm. It is also good for birdwatching and canoo with the local fishermen. There is an early morning bus from Gondar to Gorgora (20 Birr) and occasional minibuses.
• Church of Debre Sina. The inside of this 17th century, thatched-roof church is breathtaking, with every wall adorned with biblical paintings.
• Monasteries. There are a number of monasteries on the northern part of Lake Tana. Boat hire is best arranged by visiting the Gorgora Port Hotel.

Gondar is located in a mountainous area ideal for some hiking. Walk up hill to the Goha hotel for a good view over the valley. Other options are to walk to Kusquam church or to Angereb dam and lake (access restricted, but possible). The village of Woleka is just 5 km away, an hour’s walk along the main road, but with nice views of the surroundings.