Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Andrayano Tesema, who speaks pretty good English (he's probably the only one), can
also do birdwatching trips.
MONUMENT
Mussolini's Stele
Offline map
Gorgora was a hard-fought prize during the Italian occupation and on the way into town
you'll pass Mussolini's stele, high on a hill, which commemorates the capture. In town,
the historic-looking ruins on a much lower hill are nothing more than a recent, never-com-
pleted hotel.
Church of Debre Sina
Offline map
(admission Birr100, personal video cameras Birr100)
The most interesting relic of Gor-
gora's former days as a short-lived capital is the attractive Debre Sina church. Built in
1608 by Emperor Susenyos' son and future founder of Gonder, Fasiladas, on the site of a
14th-century monastery, it's decorated with fading original paintings. These are older and
thus less vivid and complex than the paintings in the monasteries on the southern side of
the lake and interesting because of the difference. Locals believe the 'Egyptian St Mary'
painting (which is supposed to have come from Egypt, but looks no different than the oth-
er paintings), has the power to heal. The church's thatch roof and surrounding stone build-
ings lend this monastery a more ancient feel than most.
CHURCH
Susenyos' Old Palace
Offline map
Emperor Susenyos (r 1607-32) built his palace (known by locals as Susenyos Ghimb) on
a peninsula (called Old Gorgora) 10km west of town, which can be reached in an hour by
boat. Compared with Gonder, it's a shambles but historical architecture buffs should make
the trip.
PALACE
Portuguese Cathedral
Near Susenyos' palace is the Portuguese Cathedral he funded. The decrepit state
(due largely to a 1995 earthquake) symbolises his failed attempt to force Catholicism on
his people. The Spanish government has funded some restoration and research here. Ex-
cept in the rainy season, you can drive close to it or walk (three to four hours each way)
the whole way from town. The road begins 7.4km north of Gorgora in Abrecha village,
the one with the tourism sign at the junction.
CATHEDRAL
