Gondar (less commonly spelled Gonder) was the old imperial capital of Ethiopia located in Beghemidir province. Established by Emperor Sertse Dingil around the year 1580, it became Ethiopia's capital under Emperor Fasiledes almost a half century later. It served as Ethiopia's capital until Tewodros II moved the Imperial away from Gondar upon being crowned Emperor in 1855. The modern city of Gondar is a popular tourist attraction for its many picturesque ruins in the old castle compound from which the Emperors once reigned. Gondar is also a noted center of eclesiastic learning in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.