Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
their fronts and the small
synagogue
; for Birr10 per person you can look inside, but be
prepared for an entourage of persistent sales kids.
After the adoption of Christianity as the state religion, Falashas had their land confis-
cated for refusing to convert. To survive, many became skilled craftspeople. Research
suggests Falashas may have provided the labour for the construction and decoration of
Gonder's castles. Sadly, the pottery for which they were once famous has mostly degener-
ated into half-hearted art, though the figurine trinkets do make cool souvenirs.
Project
Ploughshare Women's Crafts Training Center
is helping disadvantaged women re-
kindle this craft, along with traditional Amhara weaving and basketry. You can watch the
women working Monday to Saturday and buy the high-quality pottery every day.
Saturday Market
( 8.30am-6pm)
Originally the city's weekly market, Kidame Gebya is now packed
throughout the week, though Saturday remains the biggest day. Sunday is rather quiet.
Traditional clothes vendors are right at the top while the vegetable sellers use ancient-
looking dirt perches in the back. It's 500m southwest of the bus station.
MARKET
Ras Gimb
Offline map
Though its early history is murky (it was likely built in the 17th century though some say
18th) this attractive palace once served as a retreat for Haile Selassie, a residence for Itali-
an generals and a torture chamber for the Derg. It's now under renovation to serve as a
museum of Gonder's history that will include some of Haile Selassie's furniture and ob-
jects found at the palace and Portuguese Cathedral at Gorgora.
MUSEUM
Tours
The guides at the Royal Enclosure can be hired for any other place in town. The prices are
fixed and posted at the entrance and you can walk, ride bikes, hop on local minibuses or
charter a
bajaj
(around Birr70 an hour).
The following reliable agencies can arrange everything from city tours to Simien
Mountains treks. Prices vary and negotiations are always in order. For more Simien
Mountains tours and treks,
Click here
.
Explore Abyssinia Travel
WALKING, HORSE RIDING
