Gondar, which used to be the royal capital of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635. The town is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. The earliest of the castles, churches and other structures are located in the Royal Enclosure built by Fasiladas, which forms the main tourist site in Gondar.

Besides the famous palaces, Gondar is also known for the "Bath Palace of Emperor Fasiladas", built just outside Gondar in the valley of Qaha, which is still used for the annual Timket or Epiphany celebrations. The Church of Debre Birhan Selassie (Abbey of the Light of Trinity), built by the grandson of Fasiladas, is famous for the mural paintings on the ceiling.

Gondar was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The palace, surrounded by an impressive 900-m (2,953-ft) wall, stands in a compound filled with juniper and wild olive trees, amid Enqulal Gemb, or Egg Castle, named after its domed roof, the royal archive, many impressive churches and monastaries and a stable. These exemplify architecture that is marked by both Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style that the Jesuit missionaries brought to Gondar Ethiopia, and have earned The city is nicknamed “The Camelot of Africa” due to the presence of a group of royal castles.
Downtown Gondar shows the influence of the Italian occupation of the late 1930s. The main piazza features shops, a cinema, and other public buildings in a simplified Italian Modern style still distinctive of the period, despite later changes and, frequently, neglect. Villas and flats in the nearby quarter that once housed occupation officials and colonists are also of interest.

In and around Gondar
The main sights to see are the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas’ Bath and the church of Debre Birhan Selassie. The Simien Mountains are easily accessible from Gondar and it is also recommended that you go for a half or full day walk in the mountains around Gondar itself.
 

Beyond the city to the north-west, by the Qaha River, are the Fasilades Baths. A two-storied, rustic battlement sits on the steps leading to a rectangular pool, while the bathing pavilion stands on pier arches and contains several rooms that may be reached via a stone bridge, part of which could be raised for defence in times of battle.