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Italian Cemetery Asmara

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Landmark
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Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)

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The Italian Cemetery in Asmara is a significant historical site reflecting Eritrea's colonial past. Established at the end of the 19th century, it serves as the final resting place for thousands of Italian soldiers and civilians who died during the occupation period between 1890 and 1941. The cemetery is renowned for its elaborate tombs made of white Carrara marble and impressive architectural monuments in Neoclassical styles. A central feature is the ossuary, which houses the remains of fallen soldiers and functions as a place of remembrance. The grounds are divided into various sectors covering both military and civilian burials. Despite decades of political upheaval, the cemetery has remained largely intact and is today regarded as a crucial cultural heritage site that documents the deep historical ties between Italy and Eritrea.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202123252627242324222120
Rain mm48726183312514531864

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Italian Cemetery is generally open to visitors and can be explored freely. It is an outdoor site, so you can walk among the graves without a guide.
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Typical hours
Cemeteries typically open at sunrise and close at sunset. No set schedule exists, but early morning or late afternoon are best for visits.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed but please be respectful of the surroundings. Avoid using flash near gravestones and ask permission if photographing people.
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Time needed
A visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes for a leisurely walk. You can easily spend an hour if you read the inscriptions on the tombstones.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a tour of Asmara's other landmarks like Cinema Roma or the Cathedral. The cemetery is centrally located, making it easy to walk from the city center.
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Getting there
The cemetery is in Asmara, accessible by taxi or local bus. Walking from the city center takes about 20 minutes, or you can hire a guide.
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Insider tip
Bring a hat and plenty of water as there is little shade. Plan your visit for the cooler morning hours to avoid the intense midday sun.

Geography

Coordinates
15.35000, 38.92000

Facts

  • Established around 1890
  • Houses over 3,000 graves
  • Extensive use of Italian Carrara marble
  • Contains a large military ossuary
  • Site of commemorative services for WWII events
  • Documents the Italian presence until 1941

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fort Baldissera (Forto)Fort Baldissera (Forto)<1 km · WExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara2 km · SWExplore →
Degghi Selam GateDegghi Selam Gate2 km · NWExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt3 km · WExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park5 km · NWExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center6 km · WExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site6 km · SWExplore →
Historical Toka EbaHistorical Toka Eba14 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Italian Cemetery Asmara (10)

Hewenet

A meeting point in Asmara, used as a community space.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

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

🕒 09:00-11:00,15:00-17:00; We off

Kidane Meheret Church

Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea, a place of worship.

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

A gallery in Asmara, hosting art exhibitions.

Shida Monument

A monument in Asmara, commemorating a historical event.

Abel's home

A house in Asmara, known as a tourist attraction.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Church in Asmara, Eritrea, a major cathedral in the city.

Fiat Tagliero

Gas station in Asmara, Eritrea, a futuristic building from the 1930s.

Pushkin Monument

A monument in Asmara, dedicated to poet Alexander Pushkin.

San Francisco

A monument in Asmara, evoking Saint Francis of Assisi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Italian cemetery open?
It is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance is usually free, but a small donation for maintenance is appreciated.
What is special about this cemetery?
It houses elaborate tombs from the colonial era and reflects Italy's history in Eritrea.
How do you get to the cemetery?
It is located on the outskirts of Asmara and is best reached by taxi or a short walk.
What clothing is appropriate?
Respectful, modest clothing is required as it is a religious memorial site.
Italian Cemetery Asmara: where is it located?
Italian Cemetery Asmara is located in Eritrea.
Italian Cemetery Asmara: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hewenet, Nation Museum of Eritrea, Kidane Meheret Church.
Italian Cemetery Asmara: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Italian Cemetery Asmara: why is it worth visiting?
The Italian Cemetery in Asmara is a significant historical site reflecting Eritrea's colonial past.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Asmara — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara
The capital of Eritrea is renowned for its well-preserved modernist architecture.

History & landmarks

Asmara Brewery — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara Brewery
A historical brewery in Asmara, founded in 1939 by Luigi Melotti, which still produces the popular Asmara beer today.
Pushkin Monument — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Pushkin Monument
A monument honoring the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, whose great-grandfather is said to have originated from the Eritrea region.
Mai Jah Jah Fountain — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Mai Jah Jah Fountain
A stepped fountain in Asmara that is a popular architectural photo motif and shapes the cityscape.
Asmara Municipality Building — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara Municipality Building
The administrative center of the city of Asmara, a massive building with mosaics reflecting fascist monumental architecture.
Kidane Mehret Cathedral — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Kidane Mehret Cathedral
A striking Catholic cathedral of the Eritrean rite in Asmara, known for its impressive brick architecture.
Asmara Telecommunications Building — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara Telecommunications Building
A significant modernist building in the center of Asmara representing the architecture of the late 1930s.
Cinema Odeon — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Cinema Odeon
A well-preserved cinema in Asmara with an elegant facade and a magnificent Art Deco entrance area.
Albergo Italia — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.

More places

Fort Baldissera (Forto) — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Fort Baldissera (Forto)
The Forto, officially known as Fort Baldissera, is a historical fortress on a hill in Asmara.
Asmara Power Plant — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara Power Plant
An important diesel power plant in the capital region that supports local energy supply.
Historical Hamasien Region — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Historical Hamasien Region
Hamasien was the historical heartland of Eritrea around the current capital Asmara.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.
🗺️
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.
Fiat Tagliero Building — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Fiat Tagliero Building
The Fiat Tagliero service station in Asmara is one of the most impressive examples of Futurist architecture from the Italian colonial per…
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Catholic St.
Cinema Impero — Italian Cemetery Asmara (Eritrea)
Cinema Impero
The Cinema Impero in Asmara is one of the best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the world.