Asmara

Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea, is perched on a high plateau at an elevation of 2,325 meters, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. The city is internationally renowned for its remarkably well-preserved collection of early 20th-century modernist architecture, developed during the Italian colonial period from 1889 to 1941. Often referred to as 'Piccola Roma' (Little Rome), its urban fabric features an extraordinary array of Art Deco, Futurist, and Rationalist buildings. In 2017, the historic center of Asmara was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its outstanding architectural value and innovative urban planning. Iconic landmarks include the airplane-shaped Fiat Tagliero service station and the elegant Cinema Impero. The city's layout is characterized by wide boulevards, palm-fringed streets, and a bustling cafe culture that still retains a distinct Italian influence in its social life. Despite decades of regional conflict, Asmara's architectural integrity has remained largely unscathed, serving as a testament to the nation's complex history and cultural resilience. Today, it remains the undisputed political, economic, and administrative heart of the country.

History & landmarks

Macca Al Mukarama Mosque

A prominent and architecturally striking mosque in Asmara that is a center of Islamic faith in the city.

Cinema Roma

An iconic Art Deco cinema in Asmara that still shows movies and houses a popular cafe.

Asmara Governor's Palace

The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.

Cinema Capitol

Another excellent example of 1930s cinema architecture in Asmara with an impressive curved facade.

Ministry of Education Asmara

An impressive administrative building in Asmara that once served as the headquarters of the fascist party and is today dedicated to educa…

Cinema Odeon

A well-preserved cinema in Asmara with an elegant facade and a magnificent Art Deco entrance area.

Albergo Italia

The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.

Kidane Mehret Cathedral

A striking Catholic cathedral of the Eritrean rite in Asmara, known for its impressive brick architecture.

More places

Imperial Palace of Asmara

The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.

Cinema Impero

The Cinema Impero in Asmara is one of the best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the world.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

The Catholic St.

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Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque

The Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque in the center of Asmara was built during the Italian colonial period in the late 1930s.

Asmara children's amusement park

A popular park for families with play equipment.

Enda Mariam Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.

Asmara Textile Factory

An established clothing and fabric manufacturing facility that processes cotton from the Eritrean lowlands.

Asmara Brewery

One of the oldest breweries in Eritrea, founded during the Italian colonial period.