[1] The origins of the Fasil Ghebbi is preceded by old tradition of Ethiopian emperors traveling around their possessions, living off the produce of the peasants and dwelling in tents.

Subsequent emperors such as Yohannes I, Iyasu I and Dawit III built their own structures in the same imperial compound, expanding the enclosure considerably.

[5] The Royal Chronicles report that the edifices of Yohannes I and Iyasu I where built by an Ethiopian architect named Walda Giyorgis, who was described as "able, intelligent, and of good renown.

"[6] The manual labor was primarily supplied by the local Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel), particularly the Kayla clan who traditionally worked as masons, metalsmiths and carpenters, occupations seen in low repute by the general population.

[9][10] Visiting the Fasil Ghebbi in the late 1950s, Thomas Pakenham observed that "dotted among the palaces are what remains of the pavilions and kiosks of the imperial city".

[12] Dawit's Hall is in the northern part of the enclosure, adjacent to the building attributed to Bakaffa and the church of Asasame Qeddus Mikael.