Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864 was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635. It was the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 up to 1868, where Emperor Fassiledes played the dominant role in turning the town to the present day Gondar. The town is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. The earliest of the castles was created by Fasiladas himself, where from the top; one can see the breath taking view of the city and the marvelous Lake Tana.

Besides the famous palaces, Gondar is also known for the "Bathing Palace of Emperor Fasiladas", which he built outside Gondar, in the valley of Qaha which  is still used for the annual Timket or Epiphany celebrations. In addition it’s used for the abbey of the redoubtable eighteen century Empress Mentewab at Quesquam, in the mountains just outside Gondar.

The Church of Debre Birhan Selassie (Abbey of the Light of Trinity), built by the grandson of Fasil, has an overwhelming mural paintings of the famous angel faces.