6/19/2014--Blog by Will Jones, Photos by Mom
Today, we arrived in Gondar. After stopping at the hotel and eating lunch, we all went to a compound of six castles used by various rulers of Ethiopia. Several of us pointed out that the castles looked similar to those found in Europe, and we learned that that was because the Portugese helped build the castles in the 15th and 16th centuries. Also in the compound were Turkish baths, lion cages, a large dining hall, and a stable. A few of the castles had been damaged during WW2 when the British bombed the occupying Italian forces.
Today, we arrived in Gondar. After stopping at the hotel and eating lunch, we all went to a compound of six castles used by various rulers of Ethiopia. Several of us pointed out that the castles looked similar to those found in Europe, and we learned that that was because the Portugese helped build the castles in the 15th and 16th centuries. Also in the compound were Turkish baths, lion cages, a large dining hall, and a stable. A few of the castles had been damaged during WW2 when the British bombed the occupying Italian forces.
Towers and turrets!
Our group
Destroyed by bombs in WW2, reminiscent of the Cathedral at Coventry
The "ostrich eggs" atop the church roof
After the castle compound, we all went to the Castle of Fasiledes, which had a large basin at the foundation. When it rained, the water would fill the basin, and a priest would bless the water, making it holy. Then, people would wash in the water to cleanse themselves of their sins. Today, it is still used as a place for social gatherings. At the basin, men will throw lemons at the women they're interested in as a way to show their affection.
Fortunately, I don't think Bill had to throw lemons at Isabella to win her heart.
Note the sprawling tree roots completely covering the stone wall.
The Bath of Emperor Fasiledes
This is filled with water in January, providing a beautiful reflection pool.
The final destination of Gondar was a church that was painted on all the walls and ceiling. It reminded me a little bit of the Sistine Chapel in Florence. The paintings depicted various historical and biblical moments. A priest then came and demonstrated a traditional ritual using a prayer stick and a small hand instrument. Atop the church roof were seven ostritch eggs, which are a symbol of hope in Ethiopia.
Ceiling of the Debre Berham Selassie (Light of Trinity Church)
Angels adorn the ceiling
We were told that this wall is typically covered by a curtain and only revealed twice a year.
We "happened" to be visiting on one of those two occasions…
the celebration of St. Michael.
The priest demonstrates the symbols of St. Yarad, a famous saint
who composed the religious songs of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Another wonderful day!
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