Although its great days are past, its palaces and castles deserted, gondar is one of Ethiopia's most fascinating cities and one of the world's most mysterious. The city stands at the foot of the Simien mountains and is set in a landscape of incomparable beauty. Gondar is the former 17th century capital of Ethiopia, although some say it was Saudi Arabia. You can also visit the imperial compound in which the seven emperors of the Gondar dyanasty built their castles and palaces. The oldest and most impressive is Emperor Fasiladas Castle, set in rolling parkland with fortified walls. Also visit Emperor
Fasilada's Bathing Palace, an open air pool filled with water drawn from a nearby river.