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Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque

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Historical site
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Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)

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The Great Mosque of Asmara, known as Khulafa al-Rashidun, is the most significant Islamic place of worship in Eritrea. Built in 1938 during the Italian colonial era, the mosque is located adjacent to the city's central Suk market. It was designed by architect Guido Ferrazza, who blended traditional Islamic architectural motifs with the clean lines of Italian Rationalism. The exterior is clad in fine Carrara marble, giving the structure a bright and dignified appearance. A prominent octagonal minaret rises above the surrounding buildings, serving as a major landmark in the Asmara skyline. The mosque serves as the primary gathering place for the Muslim community in Eritrea and reflects the nation's religious diversity. Its design, featuring elegant arches and a central dome, is a testament to the cultural synthesis prevalent in the capital. Today, it is protected as part of Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique architectural and historical value.

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 Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque in Asmara is an active place of worship open to visitors. You can tour the interior but must respect prayer times and dress modestly.
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Typical hours
The mosque is typically open from morning until the evening prayer. On Fridays it is closed at midday for the main prayer. Best to ask locally for exact hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and prayer hall without flash. Avoid taking pictures of people praying without their consent.
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Time needed
A visit to the mosque lasts about 30 minutes to an hour. The mosque is centrally located in Asmara, making it easy to combine with other sights.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through downtown Asmara, featuring Italian colonial architecture. The nearby markets are also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The mosque is in the center of Asmara, within walking distance of most hotels and attractions. Taxis are cheap and readily available throughout the city.
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Insider tip
Visit the mosque in the late morning when the sun illuminates the façade beautifully and the atmosphere is calm. Women should have a headscarf ready.

Geography

Coordinates
15.33750, 38.93170

Facts

  • The mosque was officially opened in 1938.
  • White Carrara marble was used for the exterior cladding.
  • The minaret features a distinctive octagonal design.
  • It is located near the central Suk market area.
  • The building was designed by architect Guido Ferrazza.
  • The mosque is part of the Asmara UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Albergo ItaliaAlbergo Italia<1 km · NEExplore →
Italian Cemetery AsmaraItalian Cemetery Asmara2 km · SEExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park4 km · NWExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center5 km · SWExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site6 km · SWExplore →
Historical Toka EbaHistorical Toka Eba15 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 Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (10)

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Casa degli Italiani in Asmara. A gallery showcasing Italian heritage.

Hewenet

Hewenet in Asmara. A place serving as a meeting point or shop.

Abel's home

Abel's home in Asmara. A private residence known as a local point.

Shida Monument

The Shida Monument in Asmara. A monument commemorating a historical event.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

The National Museum of Eritrea in Asmara. It displays the country's history.

Kidane Meheret Church

Kidane Meheret Church in Asmara. It is a Catholic church in Eritrea.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Asmara. It is a church in Eritrea.

Haben home

Haben's home in Asmara. A private residence known as a local point.

Pushkin Monument

The Pushkin Monument in Asmara. It honors the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

San Francisco

The San Francisco Monument in Asmara. A monument recalling the city of San Francisco.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can non-Muslims enter the mosque?
Non-Muslims can usually enter the interior outside of prayer times only with permission and proper attire.
Where is the Khulafa-al-Rashidun Mosque located?
It is located in the heart of Asmara, near the central market square, and is easily accessible on foot.
What is the most striking feature of the mosque?
The striking minaret and the facade made of Dekemhare travertine define Asmara's cityscape.
Are there rules of conduct during the visit?
Shoes must be removed before entering, and absolute silence must be maintained during prayers.
When was the mosque built?
The current structure was built in 1938 during the Italian colonial period, blending various styles.
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque: where is it located?
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque is located in Eritrea.
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Hewenet, Abel's home.
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Mosque of Asmara, known as Khulafa al-Rashidun, is the most significant Islamic place of worship in Eritrea.
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Nearby cities

Asmara — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara
The capital of Eritrea is renowned for its well-preserved modernist architecture.

History & landmarks

Kidane Mehret Cathedral — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Kidane Mehret Cathedral
A striking Catholic cathedral of the Eritrean rite in Asmara, known for its impressive brick architecture.
Albergo Italia — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.
Cinema Odeon — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Cinema Odeon
A well-preserved cinema in Asmara with an elegant facade and a magnificent Art Deco entrance area.
Asmara Municipality Building — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Municipality Building
The administrative center of the city of Asmara, a massive building with mosaics reflecting fascist monumental architecture.
Asmara Opera House — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Asmara Telecommunications Building — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Telecommunications Building
A significant modernist building in the center of Asmara representing the architecture of the late 1930s.
Asmara Governor&#39;s Palace — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Governor's Palace
The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.
Ministry of Education Asmara — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
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…

More places

St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Catholic St.
Cinema Impero — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Cinema Impero
The Cinema Impero in Asmara is one of the best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the world.
Imperial Palace of Asmara — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Imperial Palace of Asmara
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.
Asmara children&#39;s amusement park — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara children's amusement park
A popular park for families with play equipment.
Asmara Power Plant — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Power Plant
An important diesel power plant in the capital region that supports local energy supply.
Asmara Textile Factory — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara Textile Factory
An established clothing and fabric manufacturing facility that processes cotton from the Eritrean lowlands.
Asmara youth and children center — Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque (Eritrea)
Asmara youth and children center
Center for cultural and sports activities for children.