Attractions in Eritrea
The finest attractions in Eritrea at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.
Culture & History
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 educational purpo…
Learn more →
Senafe
Senafe is a highland market town in southern Eritrea, noted for its dramatic granite boulders and proximity to the ancient ruins of Metera.
Learn more →
Agordat Railway Station
The western terminus of the historical Eritrean railway line, a fascinating relic of the colonial era in the Gash-Barka lowlands.
Learn more →
Massawa Housing Complex
A striking modernist housing complex in Massawa combining historic building techniques with climate-adapted design.
Learn more →
Degghi Selam Gate
The striking entrance gate to the Enda Mariam Cathedral complex in Asmara, featuring traditional Aksumite design elements.
Learn more →
Duca degli Abruzzi Building
A historic government and residential building on Taulud Island showing the magnificent colonial architecture of Massawa.
Learn more →
Asmara Municipality Building
The administrative center of the city of Asmara, a massive building with mosaics reflecting fascist monumental architecture.
Learn more →
Barentu Mosque
The central mosque of the town of Barentu, impressing with its clean design and its importance for the Gash-Barka region.
Learn more →
Asmara Brewery
A historical brewery in Asmara, founded in 1939 by Luigi Melotti, which still produces the popular Asmara beer today.
Learn more →
Pushkin Monument
A monument honoring the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, whose great-grandfather is said to have originated from the Eritrea region.
Learn more →
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.
Learn more →
Asmara Synagogue
The only surviving Jewish place of worship in Eritrea, testifying to the city's once thriving Jewish community.
Learn more →
Macca Al Mukarama Mosque
A prominent and architecturally striking mosque in Asmara that is a center of Islamic faith in the city.
Learn more →
Cinema Capitol
Another excellent example of 1930s cinema architecture in Asmara with an impressive curved facade.
Learn more →
Asmara Governor's Palace
The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.
Learn more →
Villa Melotti
A magnificent historical villa in Massawa, named after the Melotti family who founded the Asmara brewery.
Learn more →
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Learn more →
Kidane Mehret Cathedral
A striking Catholic cathedral of the Eritrean rite in Asmara, known for its impressive brick architecture.
Learn more →
Mai Jah Jah Fountain
A stepped fountain in Asmara that is a popular architectural photo motif and shapes the cityscape.
Learn more →
Sheikh Hanafi Mosque
One of the oldest and most important mosques in the port city of Massawa, with a striking white minaret.
Learn more →
Italian Cemetery Asmara
A large historic cemetery housing the remains of many Italian settlers and soldiers.
Learn more →
Keren Railway Station
The historical railway station in Keren, which was once an important hub on the line to Agordat.
Learn more →Nature
Gura Highland
A mountainous area in the central highlands.
Learn more →
Keren Highlands
Mountainous highlands in the Anseba region.
Learn more →
Semien-Bahri Mountains
Steep mountain region east of Asmara.
Learn more →
Habab Mountains
A mountainous region in the north.
Learn more →
Soira
The highest mountain in Eritrea.
Learn more →
Hames Mountains
Rugged mountains in the north.
Learn more →More highlights
Mendefera Historic Center
Mendefera, once known as Adi Ugri, is a historic town on a hill.
Learn more →
Ancient City of Qohaito
Qohaito is one of Eritrea's most famous archaeological sites, located on a high plateau.
Learn more →
Ancient Port City of Adulis
Adulis was a major ancient trading center on the Red Sea, connecting the Aksumite Empire with the Roman Empire and India.
Learn more →
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.
Learn more →
Fort Baldissera (Forto)
The Forto, officially known as Fort Baldissera, is a historical fortress on a hill in Asmara.
Learn more →
Afabet
Afabet is historically significant for the decisive Battle of Afabet in 1988, where the Eritrean Liberation Front destroyed the main Ethiopian comman…
Learn more →
Medebar Market
The historical Medebar Market in Asmara was established during Italian colonial rule.
Learn more →
Dahlak Kebir Necropolis
On the island of Dahlak Kebir, there are hundreds of historical tombs with artistically carved Quranic inscriptions.
Learn more →
Keren War Cemetery
The Keren War Cemetery honors the fallen of the Battle of Keren during World War II.
Learn more →
Historical Senefe
Senefe is an ancient town near the Ethiopian border on the edge of the Great Rift Valley.
Learn more →
Mariam Dearit Shrine
The Shrine of Mariam Dearit in Keren is a unique Catholic pilgrimage site integrated into the hollow trunk of a massive baobab tree.
Learn more →
Belew Kelew Obelisk
Belew Kelew in the archaeological zone of Metera houses a famous stele (obelisk) known for its pre-Christian inscriptions in Old Ethiopian (Ge'ez).
Learn more →
Debre Bizen Monastery
Debre Bizen is one of the most famous Eritrean Orthodox monasteries, spectacularly perched on a high mountain near Nefasit.
Learn more →
Trenches of Nakfa
Nakfa was the headquarters of the Eritrean independence movement and a symbol of the decades-long liberation struggle against Ethiopia.
Learn more →
Debre Sina Monastery
Debre Sina near Elabered is one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in Eritrea, dating back to the 4th century.
Learn more →
Historical Toka Eba
Toka Eba is a highland historical region that holds archaeological evidence of early settlements in Eritrea.
Learn more →
Colonial Town of Decemhare
Decemhare was planned during the Italian colonial period as an important agricultural and industrial center.
Learn more →
Halhal Battle Site
Halhal in the Anseba region was a strategically important military outpost during the Eritrean War of Independence.
Learn more →
Historical Hamasien Region
Hamasien was the historical heartland of Eritrea around the current capital Asmara.
Learn more →
Asmara green belt
A green zone around Asmara providing habitat for local birds.
Learn more →
Gash-Barka bird sanctuary
A protected area for migratory birds in the Gash-Barka region.
Learn more →
Asmara youth and children center
Center for cultural and sports activities for children.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
What are the top attractions in Eritrea?
Among the most popular are Ministry of Education Asmara, Senafe, Mendefera Historic Center, Agordat Railway Station, Massawa Housing Complex and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.
When is the best time to visit Eritrea?
May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.