A special discovery in Eritrea is Asmara’s urban architecture. The Red Sea coast, the Dahlak Islands and the archaeological sites of Kohaito offer other perspectives. The range extends from urban design to coastal and island landscapes, as well as ruins and a gorge. Which of these topics interests you most can shape how you approach your trip to Eritrea.

Asmara: urban design in the World Heritage area

The World Heritage area of Asmara includes the indigenous, organically developed neighbourhoods of Arbate Asmera and Abbashawel. The area preserves an unusually intact human scale and combines eclectic and rationalist architectural forms with clearly defined open spaces. The two style terms refer to different architectural approaches; the human scale and open spaces, by contrast, describe the character of the urban whole. Walking paths and Mai Jah Jah Park are also part of the World Heritage area. Those interested in architecture can consider not only the styles but also the structure of the neighbourhoods and the open spaces as elements of a larger cityscape. Asmara therefore offers more than a glimpse of individual architectural forms: the layout of urban space is part of the subject too.

Red Sea coast and Dahlak Islands

Eritrea’s Red Sea coast stretches for 1,200 kilometres. It includes bays and sandy beaches between two deep-water ports. Here, in contrast to Asmara’s urban architecture, the forms of the coastal landscape take centre stage. The Dahlak Archipelago comprises about 200 islands. The islands offer opportunities for diving and pearl fishing. If you would like to include these activities in your plans, check current access arrangements and offers in advance. When choosing what interests you, it makes a difference whether you mainly want to explore coastal landscapes or take part in the maritime activities mentioned.

Kohaito: archaeological sites and landscape

Kohaito is among the archaeological and historical sites in the Adi-Keyh subzone. It includes the ruins of the Temple of Mariam Wakiro; its original use is uncertain: it may have been an early Christian church or a pre-Christian temple. A short walk from Kohaito leads to the edge of a vast gorge. Here, archaeological interest, an open historical interpretation and a connection to the landscape come together. Those exploring historical sites will find a different focus in Kohaito than in Asmara: rather than established neighbourhoods and architectural forms, the emphasis is on a ruin, its possible original function and the gorge. An early Christian church and a pre-Christian temple place the structure in different religious and historical contexts. Those intrigued by archaeological questions will therefore encounter not only a ruin here, but also an unresolved interpretation of its original function.

Choose topics based on your interests

Ask yourself what you are mainly looking for on your trip: urban architecture, a coastal and island perspective, or archaeological sites connected to the landscape. This comparison makes the differences between Asmara, the Dahlak Islands and Kohaito tangible and helps you focus your research on Eritrea around your own interests.

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