Emperor Fasilides founded the ruling complex, Fasil Ghebbi, in Gondar, Ethiopia, in 1635. This fortress complex served as the home for Ethiopian emperors and the capital city of Ethiopia for over two centuries. The largest original photos show that the complex includes two main castles with better restored wooden floors and ceilings. During World War II, the Italians occupied Gondar, and the British military targeted and bombed the castle, causing significant damage to its courtyards, horse stables, and main banquet hall.
Emperor Fasilides attempted to convert the population from Jesuits to Catholics during his reign. However, this attempt resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,000 people. Despite this controversy, Emperor Fasilides’ bath palace remains in use today and holds significance as a site of pilgrimage for Ethiopians.
The bath palace is known for its unique design that includes a central structure that becomes an island when filled with water during baptisms. The center structure is surrounded by crowds of people who line the outer perimeter. There are also several churches in Gondar, including Trinity churches and Ethiopian churches built in the 18th century.
