Gondar (less commonly spelled Gonder) was the old imperial capital of Ethiopia and the historic Begameder province, now part of the Amhara region.
Founded by Emperor Sarsa Dengel around the year 1580, it became Ethiopia's capital under Emperor Fasilidos almost a half century later. It served as Ethiopia's capital until Tewodros II moved the Imperial capital to Magadala upon being crowned Emperor in 1855. The modern city of Gondar is a popular tourist attraction for its many picturesque ruins in the old castle compound from which the Emperors once reigned. Gondar is also a noted center of eclesiastic learning in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
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