A little visited African city of Asmara is the capital and the largest city of Eritrea with beautiful Italian-style architecture and fascinating historical sites. Located on highland plateau over 2,000 meters above the sea level on the northwestern edge of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, Asmara has breathtaking scenery and nice opportunities for trekking and mountain biking.
Attractions. The National Museum in Asmara is very small because of short history of independence. There are many religious sites in the city, the Catholic Cathedral, the Al Khulafa Rashiudin Mosque and the Nda Mariam Coptic Cathedral being the most remarkable of them. Colorful and skillfully made wall paintings by the contemporary Eritrean artists can be found in many parts of city which has also traditional marketplaces and small shops for shopping in Asmara. The hospitable and friendly inhabitants of Asmara always welcome a visitor in their beautiful home city.
Nearby areas. Indigenous Eritrean tribes living by farming and herding can be found in the fascinating nearby villages. The village of Tselot is located about 20 kilometers from the city centre. In the village you can experience the traditional Eritrean lifestyle and the dramatic highland landscape with typical Eritrean vegetation like eucalyptus, aloe and cactus. The village has fascinating old stone houses and ancient temples. People in the village live by farming and herding goats and sheep.
The mountains around the capital city offer some good opportunities for climbing, mountain biking and trekking around Asmara. Sembel Archaeological site, located within a short bus ride from the city, is a well preserved large Eritrean village built between 800 BC and 400 BC. Biet Ghiorghis Zoo and Park area have beautiful scenery over the city and they exhibit the typical Eritrean flora and fauna. The small Zoo is inhabited by hyenas, snakes, birds and a lion.
Colonial buildings and tribal villages in Asmara
The city of Asmara, also known as Asmera, was formed by union of four villages back in the 1100s. Most of the city centre was built in the 1930s by the Italians. The Asmaran infrastructure, architecture and cuisine have been highly influenced by the Italian colonial era. Christians, Muslims and other religious groups have lived peacefully in Asmara for centuries and there are beautiful mosques and churches in the city. The buildings represent neo-Romanesque, Victorian and Art Deco styles. The former Governor's Palace is an Italian neo-Romanesque building built in 1899.Attractions. The National Museum in Asmara is very small because of short history of independence. There are many religious sites in the city, the Catholic Cathedral, the Al Khulafa Rashiudin Mosque and the Nda Mariam Coptic Cathedral being the most remarkable of them. Colorful and skillfully made wall paintings by the contemporary Eritrean artists can be found in many parts of city which has also traditional marketplaces and small shops for shopping in Asmara. The hospitable and friendly inhabitants of Asmara always welcome a visitor in their beautiful home city.
Nearby areas. Indigenous Eritrean tribes living by farming and herding can be found in the fascinating nearby villages. The village of Tselot is located about 20 kilometers from the city centre. In the village you can experience the traditional Eritrean lifestyle and the dramatic highland landscape with typical Eritrean vegetation like eucalyptus, aloe and cactus. The village has fascinating old stone houses and ancient temples. People in the village live by farming and herding goats and sheep.
The mountains around the capital city offer some good opportunities for climbing, mountain biking and trekking around Asmara. Sembel Archaeological site, located within a short bus ride from the city, is a well preserved large Eritrean village built between 800 BC and 400 BC. Biet Ghiorghis Zoo and Park area have beautiful scenery over the city and they exhibit the typical Eritrean flora and fauna. The small Zoo is inhabited by hyenas, snakes, birds and a lion.
Practical information for your stay in Asmara
Located in the highlands of Eritrea, Asmara enjoys a pleasant temperate Mediterranean climate.
Photo: Meg and Rahul, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
The best time to visit Asmara is from October to March when the weather is dry and pleasant.
Flights to Asmara arrive at the Asmara International Airport. Long distance buses operate between the major cities in Eritrea. The public transportation in Asmara consists of buses and minibuses, which are the cheapest way to get around in the city. The buses are often crowded and no schedules exist. There are both shared and regular taxis available, often found at the airport or at the biggest hotels. The city itself is small enough to be toured on foot. Car rental in Asmara can be considered for short out-of-town trips. Note that a travel permit from the Tourist Bureau is needed you want to travel outside the capital.
Visitor services. Asmara is a modern city with planned city structure. The main street, Independence Avenue, is fringed with palm trees, shops, cafeterias and restaurants in Asmara serving both Eritrean specialties and Italian-style delicacies. Asmara has modern tourist facilities, but there is no actual nightlife in this predominantly Islamic city. There is a good selection of hotels in Asmara for every budget and taste. The colorful and bustling marketplace is a great place for bargaining and buying delicious local fruits and vegetables, skillfully made handicrafts and souvenirs.
Safety. Asmara is one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa. However, it is advisable to exercise normal caution and keep an eye on your belongings when visiting Asmara. Do not take photos of any government or police installations. The rural areas outside Asmara should only be visited with a local guide.
