PALACE OF FASILIDAS (1632-1667)

The massive edifice designed by the founder of the Gondar dynasty dominates all other buildings. It was the first castle built in 1630, and the centerpiece of the fortified city. Fasiladas was a master builder. In addition to this palace, he built various residential complexes in the region. He also rebuilt and richly endowed the church of Daga Estifanos on Lake Tana, and that of Sainte-Marie-de-Sion, in Aksum.

This square-shaped castle, flanked by four rounded corner towers and an imposing watchtower, is protected by crenellated walls that give it a fortress-like appearance. Built of irregular rubble, the palace displays a combination of Axumite, Portuguese and Indian architectural and decorative influences. The raised first floor, to which a monumental staircase leads, houses a vast reception hall. This is divided by a partition with a fireplace, delimiting the space for men and women. On the wall, a Cross of David reminds us that the emblem was adopted by the Ethiopian imperial dynasty. The first floor opens onto a vast terrace where religious ceremonies were held; the small adjoining room would have been the sovereign's prayer chamber. It was from the small balcony that Emperor Fasiladas addressed his subjects. Higher up, a staircase leads to the royal chamber and a second terrace - which, 32 m above ground, offers a panoramic view of the city - and, further on, to the shores of Lake Tana.