
Gonder was the third capital city of Ethiopia, as evidenced by the crumbling castle ruins that once housed the emperors, kings, and queens of this land. These ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the centre of town lies one of Ethiopia's most famous churches, where the walls are painted with vivid depictions of biblical events, and the roof above covered in the faces of angels. Gonder is the gateway town to the Simien Mountains National Park, and is one of the best places to be during the festival of Timkat that takes place every January.