Asmara Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Anseba region of Eritrea, Asmara stands proudly as the capital city of this enchanting East African nation. Known for its unique blend of Italian and African influences, Asmara offers a captivating experience to all who visit.

Stepping into Asmara feels like stepping back in time, as the city boasts an impressive collection of well-preserved Art Deco and Modernist architecture. Take a leisurely stroll along the wide boulevards and marvel at the elegant buildings that line the streets. From the iconic Fiat Tagliero Building, resembling an airplane about to take flight, to the grand Asmara Theatre with its stunning facade, the city's architectural wonders are a testament to its rich history.

For those seeking to delve deeper into the city's past, a visit to the National Museum of Eritrea is a must. Housed in a beautiful colonial-era building, the museum showcases a comprehensive collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, traditional costumes, and archaeological finds. Learn about the diverse cultural heritage of Eritrea and gain a deeper understanding of the country's history.

Asmara is also a paradise for coffee lovers, with numerous charming cafes scattered throughout the city. Sit back and savor a cup of freshly brewed Eritrean coffee, known for its rich aroma and distinctive flavor. Engage in lively conversations with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant coffee culture that permeates the city.

Art enthusiasts will find solace in the myriad of galleries and art studios that dot Asmara's streets. Discover striking contemporary artwork by local and international artists, or explore traditional Eritrean crafts and textiles. The city's art scene is a testament to the creativity and talent of its people.

To truly experience the soul of Asmara, take a leisurely walk through the bustling markets. The aroma of spices fills the air as vendors proudly display their colorful array of fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, haggle for unique souvenirs, and taste the delicious local street food.

Local name: أسمرة Settled: 800 B.C.E.Unesco: from 2017Population: 963 thous. (2020)Area: 4694.26 mi²Elevation: 7687 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 15°20'9"N, 38°56'7"E

Location

AnsebaEritrea

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Asmara Top Attractions

Asmara Attractions - What to See and Explore

Asmara offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, National Museum of Eritrea, Enda Mariam Cathedral, Kidane Mehret Cathedral. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Romanesque revival architecture
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Asmara is a Roman Catholic church built in the early 1920s in Asmara, when the city was the capital of Italian Eritrea.
Museum
National Museum of Eritrea
The National Museum of Eritrea is a national museum in Asmara, Eritrea. Established in 1992 by Woldeab Woldemariam, it was originally located in the former Governor's Palace until 1997, when it was moved.
Church
Enda Mariam Cathedral
Enda Mariam Cathedral is an Eritrean Orthodox church in Asmara, Eritrea. The cathedral is located on Arbate Asmara Street.

Church
Kidane Mehret Cathedral
Kidane Mehret Cathedral is a Catholic church located on Adi Quala Street, Asmara, Eritrea. The cathedral belongs to Eritrean Catholic Archeparchy of Asmara.
Synagogue
Asmara Synagogue
The Asmara Synagogue is the only surviving remnant of the Jewish community in Eritrea. Built in 1906, includes a Jewish cemetery, classrooms, and a main sanctuary.
Palace
Governor's Palace
The Governor's Palace is the city hall of Asmara, Eritrea. It was built during the colonial period in the city centre, in an Italian Art-Deco style.
Mosque
Great Mosque of Asmara
The Great Mosque of Asmara; alternately known as Al Kulafah Al Rashidan, Al Kulafah Al Rashidin, Al Kuaka Al Rashidin or Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin; Arabic: جَـامِـع الْـخُـلَـفَـاء الـرَّاشِـدِيْـن, romanized: Jāmi‘ al-Khulafā’ ar-Rāshidīn, "Mosque of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs"...
Archaeological site
Sembel
Sembel, located in the capital of Asmara, Maekel Region of Eritrea, is East Africa's oldest archaeological site, dated back to as early as 800 BCE.
15°19'42"N • 38°55'33"E
Fiat Tagliero Building
The Fiat Tagliero Building is a Futurist-style service station in Asmara, Eritrea. It was completed in 1938 and designed by the Italian engineer Giuseppe Pettazzi.
15°20'10"N • 38°55'53"E
President's Office
The Asmara President's Office is the building, in Italian neoclassical style, where the President of Eritrea lives and rules the country.
15°20'9"N • 38°56'7"E
Asmara Theatre
Asmara Theatre, also known as Asmara Opera, is a theatre in Asmara, Eritrea. It was constructed in 1918 following a design by the Italian engineer Odoardo Cavagnari, with later renovations in 1936.
Dam
Mai Nefhi
Mai Nefhi is both a location near Asmara, Eritrea and the dam after which it was named. The Mai Nefhi dam was completed in 1970, during the reign of Haile Selassie, and remains the main water source for Asmara.

Day trips

Asmara – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Asmara, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mosque of the Companions (Massawa), Adulis, Debre Bizen.

41 milesNE
Mosque
Mosque of the Companions, Massawa
The Mosque of the Companions is a mosque in the city of Massawa, Eritrea. Dating to the early 7th century CE, it is believed to be the first mosque in the world.
47 milesE
Archaeological site
Adulis
Adulis was an ancient city along the Red Sea in the Gulf of Zula, about 40 kilometers south of Massawa. Its ruins lie within the modern Eritrean city of Zula. It was the emporium considered part of the D’mt and Kingdom of Adulis Or Adulis empires. It was close to Greece and the Byzantine Empire, with its luxury goods and trade routes.
9.9 miE
Monastery
Debre Bizen
Debre Bizen is an Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church monastery. Located at the top of Debre Bizen the mountain near the town of Nefasit in Eritrea. Its library contains many important Ge'ez manuscripts.
13 milesSW
Universities and schools
Eritrea Institute of Technology
The Eritrea Institute of Technology or Mai-Nefhi College is a technological institute located near the town Himbrti, Mai Nefhi, Eritrea. It is situated about 12 km southwest of Asmara, near the Mai Nefhi dam. The institute has three colleges: Science, Engineering and Technology, and Education.