Asmara, Africa's Modernist Capital

Perched at 2,300 metres above sea level, Asmara is unlike any other city on the continent. Calm, walkable, and remarkably well-preserved, Eritrea's capital moves at its own pace, and that's exactly what makes it special.

History & Architecture

Asmara's streets read like an open-air museum of early 20th century modernist architecture. Built up largely during the Italian colonial period between the 1890s and 1941, the city is home to an extraordinary collection of Art Deco, Futurist, Rationalist and Neo-classical buildings, many still in their original condition. In 2017, UNESCO recognised what locals have always known, inscribing Asmara as a World Heritage Site and the first explicitly modernist city in Africa to receive that status.

Don't miss the Fiat Tagliero Building, a petrol station shaped like an aeroplane, built in 1938, and one of the most audacious pieces of architecture you'll ever see.

Food & Culture

Asmara has a café culture unlike anywhere else in Africa. Espresso, cappuccino, and freshly baked pastries are a daily ritual here, a legacy of Italian influence that Eritreans have made entirely their own. Pull up a chair on one of the city's shaded terraces and watch the world go by.

For a deeper taste of local life, seek out a traditional injera meal, the spongy sourdough flatbread served with rich stews that sits at the heart of Eritrean cuisine. Eating communally, with your hands, around a shared plate is an experience in itself.

Things to Do

Walk the length of Harnet Avenue, Asmara's grand main boulevard, lined with historic buildings, shops and cafés
Visit the National Museum of Eritrea for a deep dive into the country's ancient and modern history
Explore the central market for local produce, spices, and crafts
Take in the Cathedral of Asmara, a striking Italian Romanesque church at the heart of the city
Spend an evening at one of the city's historic cinemas, as Asmara once had more cinemas per capita than almost any city in the world