Addis Ababa, November 2, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Selamawit Kassa, has visited the renovation process of Fasiledes Castles, alias known as Fasil Ghebbi, in the historic city of Gonder, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) said today.
The Minister also observed the ongoing corridor development works in the city.
On the occasion, Ms. Selamawit said that the maintenance work started at Gondar Abbey is going well and the heritage is being maintained in a way that preserves its historical content.
She mentioned that the work of developing tourist destinations is being undertaken in different cities of the country. In addition to the ongoing renovation to Fasil Ghebbi, maintenance work has also started in Jimma and other historical places, the Minister reminded.
Besides to promoting tourism resources, the minister also mentioned that renovation and maintenance work will be strengthened.
The first deputy mayor of Gondar city administration, Mr. Chalachew Dagnachew, on his part, said that the Fasiledes Castles received a cosmetics-level renovation once before but hopes that the current extensive renovation work will be enduring.
He said that the ongoing renovation work has created job opportunities for more than 1,200 people, and extended his appreciation to residents of Gonder city as well as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Recall that the Prime Minister himself announced the commencement of the renovation of Fasil Ghebbi in July 2024. On that occasion, the Prime Minister promised that Fasil Ghebbi will be elevated to its former glory in no time.
Founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilades, the fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi was the residence of the emperor Fasilides and his successors.
The city, surrounded by a 900m-long wall, contains palaces, churches, monasteries and unique public and private buildings.
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Ghebbi is an Amharic word for a compound or enclosure.