Fasilides was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1632 to 1667 and is credited with establishing Gondar as the capital in 1636. Fasilides built a complex called Fasil Ghebbi, in which you’ll reportedly find 40 or more churches, as well as his palace which is sometimes called Gondar’s Castle.
Source: Traveldudes.org
This is a 6th century monastery in northern Ethiopia. The monastery sits on the top of a very high cliff and can only be accessed by rope and can only be visited by men. Many believe a Syrian monk named Abuna Aregawi founded the church.
Source: Ethiovisit.com
This is the highest-ranking Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa—today the capital of Ethiopia. The cathedral was built in celebration of the country’s liberation from Italian occupation. Those who fought against the Italians are buried here.
Source: Lonelyplanet.com
Historians believe this church was built in the mid 1400’s, after Emperor Zara Yaqob saw a light in the sky. Believing the light was God’s approval of the Emperor having stoned 38 heretics to death just before that, the Emperor ordered this church be built.
Source: Sacred-destinations.com
This is the oldest indigenous theater in all of Africa. Ethiopian music and plays have been put on here for over 70 years, as well as translations of European classics like Shakespeare. The theater was built during the Italian invasion, to encourage Ethiopian patriotism.
Source: Cityseekr.com
This structure is thought to have been a vacation home for Emperor Fasilides at one time, but was probably originally built for religious purposes. Still to this day there is an annual ceremony here in which the water is blessed by the bishop, just before children jump and play in it.
Source: Lonelyplanet.com
The church has been described as a great example of European interpretation of Ethiopian church design and was built by Italian prisoners of war after the Battle of Adwa in 1896. Italian fascists set this building on fire in 1937 but it was restored just a few years later.
Source: Lonelyplanet.com
This chapel has sparked a lot of interest among historians. It’s thought to hold God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This site is part of inspiration for the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Source: Dailymail.co.uk
This is a traditional style Ethiopian house that has been turned into a museum in Harar, Ethiopia—a part of Old City otherwise known as Jugal.
Source: Flickr.com
Ethiopia is one of the earliest sites of the spread of Islamic faith, split mostly between Orthodox Christians and Sunni Muslims. You’ll see many gorgeous mosques like this one throughout the country. This mosque sits in Harar Jugol, the old walled city that is listed on the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Source: Islamicpopulation.com
