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Asmara Telecommunications Building

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Asmara Telecommunications Building (Eritrea)

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The Asmara Telecommunications Building, originally constructed as the General Post and Telegraph Office, is a preeminent example of late 1930s Rationalist architecture. Located on a prominent street corner near the cathedral, the building is characterized by its monumental scale, clean lines, and the extensive use of premium materials like travertine. Its architecture reflects the technological progress and modernization that the Italian administration sought to showcase in its model colony. Particularly striking are the vertical window arrangements and the grand entrance hall, which emphasized the vital importance of communications to the empire. Inside, many original features have been preserved, including marble-clad counters and stylish fixtures from the era of its construction. The building still serves as the central hub for postal and telecommunications services in Eritrea today. As part of Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage designation, it is a key site for architecture enthusiasts, documenting the shift toward modernity and Asmara's role as a testing ground for contemporary European design in Africa.

Location: Eritrea
Top sights: Casa degli Italiani (Gallery) · Kidane Meheret Church · Abel's home
Nearby: Filfil (25 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	21	23	25	26	27	24	23	24	22	21	20
Rain mm	4	8	7	26	18	33	125	145	31	8	6	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Asmara Telecommunications Building is a striking example of modernist architecture, visible from the street. The building is still in use as a telecommunications office, so interior access is usually not permitted to tourists.

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Typical hours

There are no public visiting hours; the exterior can be viewed at any time. For any interior tours, you would need to make a special arrangement with the company, which is uncommon for casual visitors.

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Photography

Photography of the building's facade and surrounding plaza is freely allowed from public areas. Taking pictures inside is not possible without permission, so focus on exterior architectural details.

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Time needed

A quick stop to admire the building and take photos takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It is located on a busy street, so combine it with a walk along the main avenue to see other architectural gems.

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Combine with

This building is in the heart of Asmara, near the Ministry of Education and the Fiat Tagliero. Combine your visit with a walking tour of Asmara's modernist architecture to see multiple landmarks.

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Getting there

The Telecommunications Building is on Harnet Avenue, the main street of Asmara, easily walkable from anywhere in the center. Taxis and buses stop frequently along the avenue.

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Insider tip

View the building from across the street to appreciate its full scale and the elegant curves of its facade. Late afternoon light casts interesting shadows that highlight the architectural lines.

Geography

Coordinates

15.33950, 38.93250

Facts

The building was completed around 1937 in the Italian Rationalist style.
The exterior is clad in high-quality Italian travertine stone.
It was originally known as the 'Palazzo delle Poste e Telegrafi.'
The building is situated at the intersection of Liberation Avenue and Harnet Avenue.
The interior features original colonial-era service counters and marble work.
It currently serves as the headquarters for the state telecommunications firm, EriTel.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Asmara Opera House<1 km · WExplore →

Italian Cemetery Asmara2 km · SEExplore →

Asmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →

Tank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →

Asmara nature park4 km · NWExplore →

Eritrean Airlines Maintenance Center6 km · SWExplore →

Sembel Archaeological Site7 km · SWExplore →

Debre Bizen Monastery15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Asmara Telecommunications Building (10)

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Former Italian cultural center in Asmara, now a gallery for art exhibitions.

Kidane Meheret Church

Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea. It serves the Catholic community in the capital city.

Abel's home

Private residence in Asmara, known as a tourist attraction.

Hewenet

Attraction in Asmara, its exact type is not specified.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Church in Asmara, Eritrea. It is an important religious building in the city.

Haben home

Private residence in Asmara, known as a tourist attraction.

Shida Monument

Monument in Asmara, its exact background is unknown.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

Museum in Eritrea showcasing the country's history and culture.

Pushkin Monument

Monument in Asmara commemorating the poet Alexander Pushkin.

St Mariam

Place of worship in Asmara dedicated to Saint Mary.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Telecommunications Building in Asmara?

A striking building in rationalist style, built for postal and telegraph services.

Where is the building located?

It is located right on Harnet Avenue, opposite the cathedral.

When was it built?

It was built in the mid-1930s during the Italian modernization.

Is it still in use today?

Yes, it still houses offices of the state telecommunications company.

Why is the architecture significant?

It is an excellent example of modern functional architecture.

Asmara Telecommunications Building: where is it located?

Asmara Telecommunications Building is located in Eritrea.

Asmara Telecommunications Building: what is there to see?

Highlights include Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Kidane Meheret Church, Abel's home.

Asmara Telecommunications Building: when is the best time to visit?