Asmara is the Capital and largest City in Eritrea with an estimated population of 400,000 residents. The City is situated within the Ma’akel (Central) administrative region and is also the capital of the region. The City has grown from its humble beginnings as a small settlement and trade center. It is claimed that the area where the city currently stands was settled by tribal clans close to 700 years ago. Asmara was made the capital of Eritrea in 1897, when the country became an Italian colony.
The Italian influence is still present to date in the city and can be seen in the architectural style of many of the town’s historic buildings. Major landmarks in the city include; the Asmara Cathedral, Kidane Meheret, Mar Bin Abdulaziz Mosque, the Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin, the Sandal Monument.
Other interesting places to visit are; the city zoo, the national museum, curio shops selling local craft items, cinemas, bars and restaurants.
Transport in Asmara:
Public transport within the city consists mainly of buses and mini-buses. Buses are also used for long distance travel to other cities and towns in Eritrea. Asmara is home to the Asmara International Airport, the key airport in Eritrea. The airport is the main hub for Eritrean Airlines; the national flag carrier.
Hotels in Asmara:
As the key city in Eritrea, there are a number of good hotels in Asmara. The City is the main center for commerce and tourism in the country. Leading hotels in Asmara include;
The Ambassoira (Embasoira) Hotel Asmara:
One of the leading hotels in Asmara, the Ambassoira Hotel is situated close to the city centre. Services here include; gift shop, meeting facilities, foreign exchange, bars, restaurants, laundry and room service.
The InterContinental Hotel Asmara:
The InterContinental Hotel in Asmara is one of the Eritrean Capital’s premier establishments. Part of the InterContinental Chain of hotels, this modern hotel is situated at Warsay Avenue near the Asmara City Centre. A four star luxury hotel, the InterContinental Asmara has repeatedly been referred to as the best in the City. The Hotel offers a wide range of services and amenities such as; restaurants, bars, foreign exchange services, indoor and outdoor pools, business and conferencing facilities, fitness center, beauty salon, concierge, laundry and room service.
Other hotels in the City are; the Albergo Italia Hotel and the Sunshine Hotel.
Flights to Asmara:
There are a number of regular scheduled flights to Asmara. The City is served by the Asmara International Airport, the key airport in Eritrea.
The airport is the main hub for local airline; Eritrean Airlines. The airline flies regularly to a number of major destinations in Africa and Europe including; Nairobi, Dubai, Amsterdam, Djibouti, Frankfurt, Jeddah, Milan, Rome.
For more information on the airline and flights to Asmara, you can visit the Eritrean Airlines website at: http://www.flyeritrea.com/
Inter Continental Hotel Asmara:
The InterContinental Hotel in Asmara is one of the Eritrean Capital’s premier establishments. Part of the InterContinental Chain of hotels, this modern hotel is situated at Warsay Avenue near the Asmara City Centre.
A four star luxury hotel, the InterContinental Asmara has repeatedly been referred to as the best in the City.
The Hotel offers a wide range of services and amenities such as; restaurants, bars, foreign exchange services, indoor and outdoor pools, business and conferencing facilities, fitness center, beauty salon, concierge, laundry and room service.
University of Asmara:
The University of Asmara is the leading institution of higher education in Eritrea. At present, it is the sole university in the country and is run by the Eritrean Government, under the ministry of education.
The establishment of the University dates back to the country’s colonial period under Italy when a missionary run institute was established here. The University was officially established in 1964, then offering diploma courses. The university has however experienced major developments and growth in recent years since Eritrea’s independence.
Courses presently offered in degree and diploma certifications include; arts, education, agriculture, law, engineering and business
