Asmara Eritrea - November 22nd 2005
Yesterdays heat (I forgot to take measures to protect my neck) and the fact that there is some small private jobs to be carried out in and around the house, determine my agenda up to 12:00.
After lunch, I spend the rest of the day walking north of Harnet Avenue, locating the buildings with architectural significance on the CARP* map of Asmara and visits to family and friends
Asmara is far from a conventional African urban environment. Asmara was largely constructed during the later 1930's under the Italian colonial rule to create a home from home for the thousands of Italians expected to migrate to Eritrea. The most prominent buildings are fine examples of Italian Modernist architecture, alongside a fascinating assortment of other styles and curiosities from this period.
The fusion of European Modern architecture with African highland culture, and the fact that Asmara's architects could escape the constraints imposed on their activities in Europe, resulted in a sublime urban environment that has miraculously survived Eritrea's tumultuous past.
Perfectly safe for tourist to explore, both during the day- and nighttime, because Asmara is uniquely safe and calm, and its population is polite, helpful and hospitable.
Palazzo Gheresadik - Nakfa Street Asmara Eritrea.
Palazzo Mazzetti - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.
Shops and apartments - Nakfa Avenue Asmara Eritrea.
Villa - Bologna Street Asmara Eritrea.
Maakel Regional Court - Ertrawit Ade Asmara Eritrea.
Villa - Bihat Street Asmara Eritrea.
Cinema Asmara - Beleza Street Asmara Eritrea.
Spaghetti house - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.
Shops and apartments - Segali Street Asmara Eritrea.
Housing and Commerce Bank - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.
*) The Cultural Assets Rehabilitation Project (CARP) is an initiative of the Eritrean Government and the people of Eritrea in recognition of the importance of preserving all aspects of the nations cultural heritage. The CARP map illustrates a selection of Asmara's most significant buildings, though by using the map when exploring the city, you will come to realize that Asmara's rich architectural heritage permeates its every corner.
