Though its early history is murky (it was likely built in the 17th century, though some say the 18th), this attractive palace once served as a retreat for Haile Selassie, a residence for Italian generals and a torture chamber for the Derg. It’s now under renovation (don't hold your breath) to serve as a museum of Gonder’s history that will include some of Haile Selassie’s furniture and objects found at the palace and Portuguese Cathedral at Gorgora.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Royal Enclosure

0.37 MILES

The Gonder of yesteryear was a city of extreme brutality and immense wealth. Today the wealth and brutality are gone, but the memories linger in this…

2. Debre Berhan Selassie

0.43 MILES

Welcome to one of Ethiopia's most beautiful churches. Appealing as it is on the outside with its stone walls, arched doors and two-tiered thatch roof, it…

3. Fasiladas' Bath

0.99 MILES

Around 2km northwest of the piazza lies Fasiladas’ Bath, which has been attributed to both Fasiladas and Iyasu I. The large rectangular pool is overlooked…

4. Saturday Market

1.06 MILES

Originally the city’s weekly market, Kidame Gebya is now packed throughout the week, although Saturday remains the biggest day and Sunday is rather quiet…

5. Wolleka (Falasha Village)

2.05 MILES

Around 3km north of Gonder, several craft stalls with ‘Stars of David’ and ‘Falasha Village’ signs signal what’s really the former Falasha village of…

6. Empress Mentewab’s Kuskuam Complex

2.09 MILES

It mightn't be as well-preserved as the Royal Enclosure, or as sacred as Debre Berhan Selassie, but what this royal compound, known as Kuskuam, lacks in…

7. Church of Debre Sina

27.31 MILES

The most interesting relic of Gorgora’s former days as a short-lived capital is the attractive Debre Sina church. Built in 1608 by Emperor Susenyos’ son…

8. Guzara Castle

28.08 MILES

Though there’s little solid evidence about its history, this tall castle peering out over Lake Tana could have been built in the 1580s by Emperor Za…