Around Gonder
Ethiopia is really a fascinating country. The landscapes are fantastic and the realms that once flourished in the region are surprising. After Lalibela and its churches, we travel in the region of Gonder where it is castles that have been built by the kings.
Castle of Guzara
South of Gonder, the Guzara Castle rises from a hill. The castle dates from the 16th century, but very little is known about it.
It seems that in the 14th century, the kings chose the region (town of Emfraz) as an administrative centre. Afterwards, the city of Gonder seems to have taken more importance at the expense of Emfraz. Gonder contains several castles and compounds showing its importance at the time.
Kusquam Complex near Gonder
This royal compound built by empress Mentewab is located a few kilometres outside of Gonder. It contains a palace, a church and a few other structures.
The small on-site museum contains a few nice artifacts.
In the royal compound, there is a more modern church that is very interesting. The paintings inside, even if they are more recent, are of a style that we hadn't seen yet.