Fasil Ghebbi is a fortress-city located in Gondar, Ethiopia. It served as the capital of Ethiopia during the 17th and 18th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The construction of Fasil Ghebbi began in the early 17th century under Emperor Fasilides and continued under his successors. The fortress-city was built as a result of the need for a new capital after the decline of the Axumite Kingdom. Fasil Ghebbi served as the political and religious center of the Ethiopian Empire during its heyday, and it played an important role in the country's cultural, economic, and political history.
Fasil Ghebbi is a complex of palaces, castles, and other buildings surrounded by a wall. The main buildings include Fasilides' castle, Iyasu's palace, Dawit's hall, the banqueting hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie. The architecture of Fasil Ghebbi is a unique blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian styles.
The fortress-city also has a number of important religious sites, including the Fasilides Bath, which is believed to have healing powers and is the site of a major celebration called Timkat. Other important religious sites include the Qusquam Church and the Church of Qeddus Mikael.
Today, Fasil Ghebbi is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Ethiopia's cultural and architectural heritage. It is a testament to the country's rich history and the achievements of its great emperors.