In the northwestern part of the country lies the city of Gondar, which in the past was the capital because it houses Fasil Ghebbi, the royal residence. The fort houses Iyasu I's palace, Fasilides' castle, Empress Mentewab's castle, Fasilides' castle, Dawit III's Hall, banqueting hall, stables, library and church of Asasame Qeddus Mikael, the church of Elfign Giyorgis, and church Gemjabet Mariyam. The complex has been under UNESCO protection since 1979.