A capital city has become known as ‘little Rome’ or the ‘Rome of Africa’ due to its architecture and history. Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea, a small country in eastern Africa that borders Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the Red Sea. The country is considered an underrated African destination by some, thanks to its fascinating wildlife, gorgeous nature, and its attractive capital city. Asmara is a relatively large city with a population of well over 1 million, and plenty to do for tourists from abroad.
Asmara is called the Rome of Africa mainly because of its Italian architecture. Benito Mussolini envisioned the city as the capital of his desired Italian African Empire. Eritrea was declared an Italian colony in 1890, which is why so much architectural influence came from the Mediterranean nation. Its colonial history is still felt when you step into the city, as you are greeted by the buildings frozen in time. At the time, Mussolini encouraged migration to Asmara and incentivised architects to design the urban landscape here, which is why it looks so Italian today.
Apart from taking in its architecture, there are a number of things to do in Asmara. The top-rated tourist attraction in the city is Cathedral Our Lady of the Rosary, which people say makes them feel like they are in a “European city”.
One reviewer said of the site: “One of Asmara’s finest architectural buildings from the 1930’s, sitting over a large area, with exquisite frescoes and prominent tower that can be seen from any part of the city. It is one of the capital city’s outstanding landmarks.”
Other top-rated landmarks in Asmara are other colonial-style buildings, including Fiat Tagliero, Enda Mariam Orthodox Church and Liberation Avenue. There is also fascinating history to be learned in Eritrea, from its ancient settlements right up to the cruelties of colonialism, to its fight for liberation.
Many people have had amazing things to say about Asmara. One blogger, known online as Rocky Road Travel, called it the “most beautiful city in the world”. They wrote: “Modernist public buildings, art deco cinema houses and still functioning theatres unchanged for 80 years delight the visitor around every street corner.
“Pop inside each of them and take a gander at the inner workings behind the scenes. Or just sit at a cafe and watch the city peacefully pass you by.”
Eritrea has a slew of other tourist attractions, with Asmara acting as a great base for experiencing them. Other Eritrean attractions include natural wonders like Dahlak Archipelago National Park and Metera.
Eritrea is relatively safe to travel to. Although, the Foreign Office does advise against all but necessary travel to within 25 kilometres of the country’s land borders.
“The land borders with Djibouti and Ethiopia are closed,” the FCDO explains. “Eritrea’s land border with Sudan is operational in response to the conflict in Sudan, and people are crossing the border in both directions.”
The journey to Eritrea from the UK typically takes around nine hours and involves a layover in Dubai, flying with Emirates.
