About Asmara

Asmara is the capital and most populous city of Eritrea, located in the country's Central Region at an elevation of 2,325 meters above sea level, making it the sixth highest capital in the world by altitude and the second highest in Africa. The city sits on the northern tip of the Ethiopian Plateau at the edge of the Great Rift Valley.

The city's name derives from the Tigrinya term "Arbaete Asmara," meaning "four united," referring to the legendary unification of four villages in the 12th century. Asmara became the capital of Italian Eritrea in 1897 and flourished as a colonial city, leaving behind a remarkable architectural legacy.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In July 2017, Asmara was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional example of early modernist urbanism at the beginning of the 20th century and its application in an African context. The city is famous for its well-preserved modernist and art-deco architecture inherited from its period under Italian colonial rule.

More than 400 buildings of Italian origin remain today, featuring styles including neo-Romanesque, Victorian, Art Deco, Cubist, and Futurist architecture. Notable landmarks include the Fiat Tagliero Building (1938), Cinema Impero (1937), Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (1922), and the Great Mosque of Asmara.

Key Features

Economy: Asmara's economy relies heavily on the services sector, including tourism. The city is a marketplace for agricultural products and a center for tanning hides. Chief manufactures include textiles, footwear, and soft drinks.

Climate: Due to its elevation, Asmara enjoys a relatively cooler climate compared to much of Eritrea, with mild temperatures year-round.

Culture: The population is approximately half Christian and half Muslim. The city is primarily inhabited by the Tigrinya ethnic group, alongside other communities. Asmara is praised for its peaceful, crime-free environment and for being one of the cleanest cities in Africa.

Historical Significance

Asmara became independent from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year war for independence, establishing itself as the capital of the newly formed nation. The city was relatively undamaged throughout the war, preserving its unique architectural heritage. Today, Asmara blends African culture with Italian architectural influence, creating a distinctive urban landscape unlike any other city on the continent.