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Asmara is the capital and largest city of Eritrea, a country in the northeast of Africa in the African Horn region of the continent. The city stands at elevation, on top of a plateau, and is inland from the Red Sea coast. Colonial architecture and surrounding scenery are the main attractions of Asmara.
Colonial Architecture in Asmara
There are many examples of Italian colonial architecture in Asmara, dating from throughout their period of rule. Some of the more popular buildings date from the 1920s and 30s and are styled in Italian art deco such as the Cinema Impero, and the Fiat Tagliero Building, plus there is the large Governor’s Palace which serves as the current City Hall. The Romanesque style cathedral, St Joseph’s, was consecrated in 1922 and its tower offers great views over the art deco portions of Asmara.
Independence Avenue
The main street in Asmara is Independence Avenue. More Italian than African, this palm-lined street is full of cafés and bars and makes the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a cappuccino while watching the world go by. The avenue is also full of shops, and of course plenty of architecture. At the southern end of Independence Avenue is the Nyala Hotel. This is one of the city’s prominent landmarks as it’s the tallest building in Asmara. If you haven’t filled up on coffee from the street, head up to the rooftop café and enjoy a coffee there while taking in the views over the city.
Other Attractions in Asmara
The National Museum makes for an interesting visit with its collection on Eritrea’s long history of civilisation, while on the outskirts of the city is the Biet Ghiorghis Zoo and Park, however if you’re used to the more modern zoos, this one will surely disappoint you.
12 miles (20km) outside the city centre is the village of Tselot and within walking distance of here is the Martyrs National Park. Spectacular views and scenery of mountainous forests is the highlight of this park.
Flights to Asmara
The Asmara International Airport (airport code: ASM) is the country’s only airport that currently handles international flights, however, it’s only a small airport and lacks some of the facilities and comforts of other airports. From the UK you can get a flight to Asmara with several different airlines though all flights will be indirect. Three time a week Lufthansa offers a service flying via Frankfurt from London, or BMI and Egyptair also have one stop flights to Asmara. You can also get a flight to Asmara with Eritrean Airlines from Frankfurt, providing you make separate arrangements for your flight to Frankfurt.Asmara Tourist Attractions
Despite some tensions in Eritrea and the fact that this is a very poor country, Asmara remains an attractive city to visit. Built mainly by the Italians during their rule over the country from 1890 until World War 2, it’s the Italian colonial architecture that is the main attraction of this city and as you wander around you can’t help but wonder how different it would have looked had the Italians not conquered Eritrea!Colonial Architecture in Asmara
There are many examples of Italian colonial architecture in Asmara, dating from throughout their period of rule. Some of the more popular buildings date from the 1920s and 30s and are styled in Italian art deco such as the Cinema Impero, and the Fiat Tagliero Building, plus there is the large Governor’s Palace which serves as the current City Hall. The Romanesque style cathedral, St Joseph’s, was consecrated in 1922 and its tower offers great views over the art deco portions of Asmara.
Independence Avenue
The main street in Asmara is Independence Avenue. More Italian than African, this palm-lined street is full of cafés and bars and makes the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a cappuccino while watching the world go by. The avenue is also full of shops, and of course plenty of architecture. At the southern end of Independence Avenue is the Nyala Hotel. This is one of the city’s prominent landmarks as it’s the tallest building in Asmara. If you haven’t filled up on coffee from the street, head up to the rooftop café and enjoy a coffee there while taking in the views over the city.
Other Attractions in Asmara
The National Museum makes for an interesting visit with its collection on Eritrea’s long history of civilisation, while on the outskirts of the city is the Biet Ghiorghis Zoo and Park, however if you’re used to the more modern zoos, this one will surely disappoint you.
12 miles (20km) outside the city centre is the village of Tselot and within walking distance of here is the Martyrs National Park. Spectacular views and scenery of mountainous forests is the highlight of this park.