Asmara

Asmara, the capital and largest city of Eritrea, exemplifies the nation’s rich history and distinctive architectural legacy. Located in the Central Region of Eritrea, this notable metropolis is positioned at a height of 2,325 meters above sea level, ranking as the sixth highest capital globally and the second highest in Africa. Its elevated location on an escarpment delineates the northwestern boundary of the Eritrean Highlands and the commencement of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches into adjacent Ethiopia.

The beginnings of Asmara are rooted in local folklore, which narrates the unification of four distinct settlements in a spirit of harmony following prolonged years of strife. This alliance established the groundwork for what would evolve into a prosperous metropolitan hub. For decades, Asmara was overshadowed by the adjacent Debarwa, the residence of the Bahr Negash, who administered the coastal region. Notwithstanding its subordinate status, Asmara retained its importance as a pivotal outpost along the trade route to Massawa for nearly 500 years.

Asmara did not attain significance until the 20th century, emerging as the capital of Italian Eritrea. This time signified a pivotal moment in the city’s history, initiating an age of rapid development and modernization under Italian governance. In 2017, UNESCO acknowledged Asmara’s remarkable modernist architecture by designating it a World Heritage Site due to its significant metamorphosis.

The topographical landscape of Asmara is both diversified and breathtaking. The city is situated on a rocky highland plateau, which is part of the broader Eritrean Highlands that extend from the Ethiopian Highlands. This middle, temperate area acts as a natural boundary between the western lowlands and the eastern coastal plains of Eritrea. The territories adjacent to Asmara are recognized for their agricultural productivity, especially to the south in the Debub Region.

Traveling eastward from Asmara, the highlands transition into a strikingly altered terrain. The eastern lowlands extend, marked by the extreme heat and humidity of the Eritrean salt pans that reach the Red Sea coastline. The western edge of the plateau shifts to an expansive, semi-arid hilly landscape that reaches the Sudanese border via the Gash-Barka Region.

Asmara is distinguished by its exceptional assemblage of early 20th-century architecture, a remnant of its Italian colonial heritage. The city serves as a dynamic museum of architectural styles, with each edifice narrating the history of its construction period. The Cinema Impero, inaugurated in 1937, exemplifies one of the premier instances of Art Deco architecture, its magnificence embodying the creative sensitivities of the era. The Africa Pension building exemplifies Cubist design, whilst the Eritrean Orthodox Enda Mariam Cathedral and the old Opera House exhibit a varied array of styles.

The Fiat Tagliero Building exemplifies Asmara’s architectural variety, with a futuristic design with cantilevered wings that appear to defy gravity. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary features a neo-Romanesque exterior, but the Governor’s Palace exemplifies neoclassical architecture. The cityscape, characterized by these structures and several Italian colonial houses and palaces, notably the notable World Bank Building, is both distinctive and enchanting.

The majority of central Asmara’s building occurred between 1935 and 1941, an exceptionally brief period of about six years. This swift advancement was propelled by Benito Mussolini’s ambitious aspiration to create a second Roman Empire in Africa. Despite his aspirations being curtailed by war, the financial investments made during this era significantly influenced the Asmara we observe today, originally conceived as a representation of colonial fascism, while now serving as a testament to a multifaceted historical epoch.

The architectural landscape of Asmara exemplifies early 20th-century styles. The city presents a visual spectacle for architecture aficionados, with neo-Romanesque churches, late Victorian houses, Art Deco influences, and Cubist inspirations. The Fiat Tagliero Building epitomizes futurism, a style that was emerging in Italy during its construction.

In addition to its architectural wonders, Asmara had advanced urban planning and infrastructure. During its construction, the city had more traffic lights than Rome, highlighting its modernity. Asmara’s layout exhibits several characteristics of a well-planned city, demonstrating the deliberate consideration invested in its construction.

In July 2017, Asmara attained a notable achievement by being designated as the first modernist city to be entirely recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This acknowledgment occurred during the 41st World Heritage Committee Session, solidifying Asmara’s status in architectural history.

The city’s distinctive character is augmented by its myriad of Art Deco, futurist, modernist, and rationalist edifices, all erected during the era of Italian Eritrea. Asmara’s moniker, “La piccola Roma” or “Little Rome,” reflects its Italian roots. The city’s elevated altitude offered an optimal environment for development, and architects skillfully employed a blend of Italian and indigenous materials in their designs.

Subsequent to Eritrean independence, Asmara has had considerable infrastructural advancement, especially regarding its road network. Existing roads have been refurbished, and new highways have been established, resulting in five principal routes emanating from the city. The Asmara International Airport facilitates air connection with several international flights, while the adjacent Massawa International Airport provides an additional option.

Asmara’s transportation history included a narrow-gauge railway, integral to the broader Eritrean Railway system constructed between 1887 and 1932. Despite suffering damage during World War II and later wars, resulting in its closure in 1978, post-independence reconstruction initiatives have led to the reopening of portions of the line, particularly the segment from Asmara to Massawa.