The impact of historical buildings on Urban rejuvenation: The case of Gondar city, Ethiopia

The famous buildings of Gondar, which are dating from the 17th and 18th century covers about seven hectares of land surrounded by a fortification length of about 900 meters, including 12 gateways and encircling roads. Within the enclosure, there are major buildings which includes Fasilides castle, Iyasus's Palace, Dawit's Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, Mebtewab's castle, a Chancellery, library and three churches. Near the city lie Fasilides’ bath, home to an annual ceremony where it is blessed and opened for bathing; the Quasquam complex, built the Empres Mentewab; the eighteenth century Ras Mikael Sehul's Palace and Debre Brehan Selassie Church. These are popular as tourist attraction of the city. Gondar is one of the 925 urban areas, which was founded by Emperor Fasiledes around the year 1635, and grew as an agricultural and market town. It is one of royal and ancient historical cities of Ethiopia. It was the home of many known men, including Emperor Suseneos, Emperor Fasiledes, Mentwab, Iyasu I, Tewodros II and Empress Taitu. In Gondar, there are historic buildings, which are built/from the reign of Fasiledes/up to the end of Italian occupation