Overview

Asmara: A Modernist African City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Asmara, Eritrea. This exceptional example of early modernist urbanism showcases the city's unique blend of Italian and indigenous architectural styles.

History

The capital of Eritrea was developed from the 1890s onwards as a military outpost for the Italian colonial power. After 1935, Asmara underwent a large-scale programme of construction applying the Italian rationalist idiom of the time to governmental edifices, residential and commercial buildings, churches, mosques, synagogues, cinemas, hotels, etc.

Architecture

The property encompasses various phases of planning between 1893 and 1941, as well as indigenous unplanned neighbourhoods of Arbate Asmera and Abbashawel. The city's unique blend of Italian rationalist style and local influences is evident in its buildings, which feature a mix of Art Deco, Futurist, and neoclassical elements.

Location

Asmara: A Modernist African City is located at coordinates 15.3352777778, 38.9358333333, at an elevation of over 2,000 meters above sea level. The city is the capital of Eritrea and was developed as a military outpost for the Italian colonial power.

Religious Significance

The property includes various religious buildings, such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and cinemas, showcasing the city's diverse cultural heritage. These buildings demonstrate the coexistence of different faiths and cultures in Asmara during its early years.

Notable Artworks and Features

Unfortunately, no specific details about notable artworks or features are available.

Heritage Status

Asmara: A Modernist African City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. It meets the criteria of (ii) and (iv), recognizing its exceptional example of early modernist urbanism at the beginning of the 20th century and its application in an African context.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific details about visiting information are available.