Asmara: A Modernist African City
Location: Asmara, Eritrea
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (ii) interchange of human values,
iv) masterpiece of human creative genius,
(v) testimony to cultural tradition,
(vi) associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa. The city's unique architectural style, known as Asmara Modernist Architecture, is a blend of Italian Art Deco and Futurist styles with traditional Eritrean and African motifs. Asmara's historic city center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional urban planning and architecture, which represents a significant chapter in the history of architecture and urban planning in Africa.
Prominent Features: Asmara's modernist architecture features bold geometric shapes, clean lines, and decorative details, including intricate wrought ironwork and colorful mosaics. Notable buildings in the city include the Fiat Tagliero Building, which is shaped like an airplane and was designed to serve as a gas station, and the Cinema Impero, a large cinema and theater that was once the largest in Africa. The city also has a lively market area and several parks and gardens.
History: Asmara's modernist architecture was developed during the period of Italian colonial rule in the early 20th century, as Italian architects and planners sought to create a modern, European-style city in Africa. The city's unique architectural style reflects the influence of both Italian and African cultures and represents a significant chapter in the history of architecture and urban planning in Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families visiting Asmara can enjoy exploring the city's unique architecture and learning about its history through guided tours. There are also several parks and gardens in the city where children can play and enjoy the outdoors.
Fun Fact: Asmara is known for its love of cycling, and many residents and visitors enjoy cycling through the city's streets and parks. The city also hosts an annual cycling race, the Asmara-Asmara International Cycling Tour, which attracts cyclists from around the world.
Entry Fees: Most of the attractions in the city are free to visit, such as the colorful markets, historic buildings, and museums. However, some museums and cultural sites may have a small entrance fee, typically ranging from $1 to $5 USD.For example, the National Museum of Eritrea charges a small entrance fee of $2 USD per person, while the Italian-built Fiat Tagliero building charges $3 USD for admission. The Cinema Impero, a historic movie theater, also charges a small entrance fee of $1 USD.
How to Reach it: Asmara is served by Asmara International Airport, which has regular flights to several African and Middle Eastern cities. Visitors can also reach Asmara by road from neighboring countries, including Ethiopia and Sudan.
Where to Stay: Asmara has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some popular options include the Asmara Palace Hotel, the Crystal Hotel, and the Sunshine Hotel. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (ii) interchange of human values,
iv) masterpiece of human creative genius,
(v) testimony to cultural tradition,
(vi) associated with events of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa. The city's unique architectural style, known as Asmara Modernist Architecture, is a blend of Italian Art Deco and Futurist styles with traditional Eritrean and African motifs. Asmara's historic city center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional urban planning and architecture, which represents a significant chapter in the history of architecture and urban planning in Africa.
Prominent Features: Asmara's modernist architecture features bold geometric shapes, clean lines, and decorative details, including intricate wrought ironwork and colorful mosaics. Notable buildings in the city include the Fiat Tagliero Building, which is shaped like an airplane and was designed to serve as a gas station, and the Cinema Impero, a large cinema and theater that was once the largest in Africa. The city also has a lively market area and several parks and gardens.
History: Asmara's modernist architecture was developed during the period of Italian colonial rule in the early 20th century, as Italian architects and planners sought to create a modern, European-style city in Africa. The city's unique architectural style reflects the influence of both Italian and African cultures and represents a significant chapter in the history of architecture and urban planning in Africa.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families visiting Asmara can enjoy exploring the city's unique architecture and learning about its history through guided tours. There are also several parks and gardens in the city where children can play and enjoy the outdoors.
Fun Fact: Asmara is known for its love of cycling, and many residents and visitors enjoy cycling through the city's streets and parks. The city also hosts an annual cycling race, the Asmara-Asmara International Cycling Tour, which attracts cyclists from around the world.
Entry Fees: Most of the attractions in the city are free to visit, such as the colorful markets, historic buildings, and museums. However, some museums and cultural sites may have a small entrance fee, typically ranging from $1 to $5 USD.For example, the National Museum of Eritrea charges a small entrance fee of $2 USD per person, while the Italian-built Fiat Tagliero building charges $3 USD for admission. The Cinema Impero, a historic movie theater, also charges a small entrance fee of $1 USD.
How to Reach it: Asmara is served by Asmara International Airport, which has regular flights to several African and Middle Eastern cities. Visitors can also reach Asmara by road from neighboring countries, including Ethiopia and Sudan.
Where to Stay: Asmara has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Some popular options include the Asmara Palace Hotel, the Crystal Hotel, and the Sunshine Hotel. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.