King Fasiladas officially founded Gondar in 1632. It was this Gondarine period that is considered to be the third major dynasty after the Axumite and Zagwe dynasties. The dynasty is historically important for the introduction of a permanent capital. Gondar’s 17th century castles reflect the strong dynasty and the power of progressive rulers. Seven of the dynasty’s kings had their own castles built to show their power and independent, efficient ruling styles. The city’s main imperial precinct, known as the Royal Enclosure, covers an area of 7.7 hectares and contains five castles raised walkways and connecting tunnels surrounded by high stone walls. The oldest of these is the Castle of Fasiledes, built of stone in the mid-17th century. His castle reflects a number of influences, mainly Axumite, Portuguese and Indian. The tower offers divine panoramic views, even Lake Tana is visible on a clear day. Gondar is especially significant to the Ethiopian Orthodox community and considered a pinnacle of religious centers across the country. Among the churches in town, Debre Berhan Selassie is famous for its typical Gondarine style and extraordinary ceiling. Timket Festival Timket Festival is celebrated on the 19th or 20th of January. It is an Ethiopian Orthodox ceremony that celebrates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. It is most commonly celebrated in Gondar and Lalibela. During the ceremonies of Timket, the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant, which is present on every Ethiopian altar (somewhat like the Western altarstone), is reverently wrapped in rich cloth and born in procession on the head of the priest. The Tabot, which is otherwise rarely seen by the laity, represents the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah when he came to the Jordan for baptism. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated near a stream or pool early in the morning (around 2 a.m.). Then the nearby body of water is blessed towards dawn and sprinkled on the participants, some of whom enter the water and immerse themselves, symbolically renewing their baptismal vows. But the festival does not end there; Donald Levine describes a typical celebration of the early 1960s.