Sights in Asmara
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Former Governor's Palace
The best place to start exploring is the Former Governor's Palace, which stands majestically at the western end of Harnet Ave. Built in 1897 by the first Italian governor, it was used by Haile Selassie during the Ethiopian occupation. Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to visit it because it's an official building.
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National Museum
Asmara's strong point are its buildings, rather than its museums, but it's also worth popping your head into the National Museum, west of the former Governor's Palace. It contains exhibits on the ethnic groups of Eritrea that give a basic introduction to traditional life in the countryside.
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Central Market
North of Harnet Ave, the sprawling Central Market is one of Asmara's major attractions. The best time to visit is early on Saturday (from 07:00), when people come in from all over the country. However, it was pretty tame when we visited because of the economic downturn in the country.
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Catholic Cathedral
Ambling down Harnet Ave you'll soon come across Asmara's most iconic monument, the elaborate, brick-walled Catholic cathedral. Consecrated in 1923, it is thought to be one of the finest Lombard-Romanesque-style churches outside Italy.
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Bowling Alley
A block south of the Municipality building, the Bowling Alley is one of the few genuine 1950s alleys left in the world. It was probably built for US servicemen when they were manning military bases in the region.
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Great Mosque
Thread your way back from the Medebar Market to the south until you reach the Great Mosque. Completed in 1938, this grand complex combines rationalist, classical and Islamic styles.
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Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
The Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral, to the east, was built in 1938 and is a curious blend of Italian and Eritrean architecture. Its central block is flanked by large square towers.
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Villa Roma
Opposite the Africa Pension, the gleaming Villa Roma is reminiscent of a Roman villa with its marble staircases, louvred shutters, curving balustrades and shady portico.
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Opera House
Within staggering distance from the Governor's Palace, the Opera House, completed around 1920, is one of Asmara's most elegant early-20th-century buildings.
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Ministry of Education
Adjacent to the elegent Opera House, the Ministry of Education, with its massive stepped tower, is strikingly austere.
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Bell Tower
The tallest structure in Asmara, the narrow, Gothic Bell Tower offers unrivalled views over the town.
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