Table of Contents
Introduction
Eritrea has a rich and complex history, with influences from various civilizations over the millennia. This East African country was home to some of the earliest hominids and has archaeological sites dating back over 100,000 years. Eritrea’s strategic location on the Red Sea coast meant it was part of important trade routes in ancient times. A diversity of cultures and religions left their mark, from ancient Egyptians and Greeks to Ottoman Turks and Italians during the colonial era. This article explores some of the top historical attractions and hidden gems waiting to be discovered on a journey through time in Eritrea.
Asmara
As the capital and largest city of Eritrea, Asmara is a must-visit destination. Unlike many African capitals, Asmara retains much of its colonial architecture dating back to Italian rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Stroll through the wide boulevards and piazzas to see art deco cinemas, cafes, hotels, and government buildings. The Fiat Tagliero service station’s futuristic aircraft-inspired design is an iconic city landmark. Visit the ornate Opera House, Cathedral, Abashawl Mosque, and Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral to admire their varied architectural styles. Asmara earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its well-preserved modernist architecture. Beyond the Italian colonial imprint, Asmara’s bustling open-air markets, museums, and National Cultural Center showcase Eritrea’s diverse culture.
Adulis
On the Red Sea coast, Adulis was a prominent port city from the 1st century AD until the 7th century AD when it was abandoned. Adulis was the center of trade for the Kingdom of Aksum, exporting ivory, spices, livestock, and slaves to destinations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Excavations at Adulis by archaeologists uncovered the ruins of temples, a palace, a theater, residential areas, and baths. Coins, inscriptions, and other artifacts provide evidence of Adulis’ wealth and cosmopolitan makeup during its heyday. Adulis declined following the rise of Islam, triggering the Aksumite kingdom’s shift from commerce to agriculture. Today, the remnants of Adulis offer a glimpse into a prosperous African civilization on par with its Mediterranean trading partners.
Debre Bizen Monastery
Clinging dramatically to a cliffside in the Nakfa region is the Debre Bizen Monastery. Founded in the 6th century AD, it is one of Eritrea’s oldest monasteries. Debre Bizen was built to house Christian monks and nuns and became an important center of religious education. Remarkably well-preserved 600-year old frescoes adorn the interior, illustrating religious imagery and saints. The monastery’s precarious cliffside location provided seclusion and protection from invaders for centuries. Visitors must climb 140 steep steps carved into the mountainside to reach Debre Bizen’s cave-like entrances. While its remote location requires effort to visit, Debre Bizen’s ancient art and architecture amid a stunning high-altitude setting make for an unforgettable destination.
Keren
Keren is a small highland town that played an outsized role in Eritrea’s colonial history. Its location at the crossroads between Asmara and Massawa made it a strategic prize during 19th century Italian, British, and Egyptian battles for control. Remnants of mighty Ottoman-era fortresses and Italian colonial villas dot Keren’s landscape. The town’s mosque and church reflect the coexistence of Islam and Christianity in Eritrea. Camel markets, a gum arabic factory, and a textile factory point to Keren’s continued role as a trading center. Beyond the history, Keren offers pleasant weather and views year-round as well as colorful markets showcasing the region’s skilled weaving tradition.
Massawa
As an ancient port city on the Red Sea, Massawa was vital for trade and naval power in the Horn of Africa for over 2000 years. Massawa’s protected natural deep harbor made it desirable to Ptolemaic Egypt, Ottoman Turks, Italians, and various Ethiopian empires. The Portuguese, Turks, and Egyptians built Massawa’s defensive fortifications and old city walls that still stand today. Massawa’s architecture exhibits Turkish, Egyptian, and Italian influences, including an unusual Piazza Mocha Mosque. The old city’s coral buildings and arched alleyways offer shade from the heat. Just outside Massawa, the ancient Adulis harbor and active Sahaba Mosque pilgrimage site beckon visitors. While extremely hot, Massawa’s layers of history and striking coastal scenery make it one of Eritrea’s highlights.
Matara
The ruins at Matara provide clues into the ancient Aksumite civilization that ruled Eritrea and Ethiopia from 100-940 AD. As the first capital of the Aksumite kingdom, Matara was a seat of power and center for agriculture. Excavations uncovered the foundations of elite residences, royal tombs, stone thrones, and stelae. While the current UNESCO World Heritage sites of Yeha and Axum symbolize Aksumite ingenuity and power, Matara represents the important formative years of the kingdom. Matara’s setting in Eritrea’s fertile hills that once provided food surpluses gives context to how the Aksumites amassed wealth and influence in the region. By traveling to Matara, visitors can learn about daily life, spiritual practices, and governance in ancient Aksumite society.
Metera
Deep in the heartland of the ancient Aksumite Empire lies the megalithic temple complex of Metera. Constructed between the 4th to 6th century AD, Metera likely served as a spiritual center for elaborate rituals. Enormous stone slabs weighing up to 160 tons form columns, gateways, and courts throughout the site. Intricate engravings and symbols decorate the stone structures. Archeologists also uncovered sacrificial altars, tombs, and remnants of obelisks and stelae. While less famous than its sibling UNESCO World Heritage Site Yeha, the ruins at Metera similarly showcase the incredible ingenuity of Aksumite stoneworking and architecture. Exploring Metera provides insight into the spirituality and cultural sophistication underpinning Aksumite civilization at its height.
Nakfa
The Eritrean town of Nakfa holds profound historical significance as the site of a decisive victory in the Eritrean War of Independence. Nakfa was occupied by Ethiopian forces for over a decade in the 1970s-1980s during the protracted conflict. However, a major Eritrean rebel offensive broke the Ethiopian siege in March 1990, paving the way for Eritrean independence. Today, visitors can see the war-damaged buildings that still litter Nakfa, kept intact as reminders of Eritrea’s struggle for freedom. The Nakfa town cemetery holds the graves of Eritrea’s war martyrs and national heroes. Beyond the war history, Nakfa features Ottoman and Italian architectural heritage, local markets, and a national park filled with baboons. As the namesake of Eritrea’s currency, Nakfa is revered as hallowed ground in the nation’s collective memory.
Qohaito
The highland town of Qohaito was once a bustling mining and trading center during the Aksumite Empire. The settlement thrived from the 4th to 7th centuries AD before declining along with the rest of the empire. Italian archaeologists in the 1930s excavated Qohaito, uncovering a settlement layout with elite residences, mining shafts, a sophisticated water system, and administrative buildings. Building techniques using precisely cut granite stone and fired bricks demonstrated an advanced civilization. Qohaito also featured intricate designs like carved false doors and windows, displaying cultural depth beyond its economic functionality. Artifacts like glass beads, precious metals, and Aksumite coins point to Qohaito’s importance in regional and international trade networks. Touring Qohaito’s ruins provides a window into an organized, prosperous African society during antiquity.
Sembel
The Sembel archaeological site in the Maekel region contains ruins spanning multiple eras of Eritrean history. Most famous is its field of towering stelae, or carved stone monuments, marking graves from 100-600 AD. The stelae exhibit beautiful decoration, inscriptions in ancient Ge’ez script, and incredible architectural craftsmanship. Nearby caves were used as tombs for royalty and nobility of the Aksumite kingdom. Across the road sits an ancient mosque and settlement remnants from later periods when Islam took root in Eritrea. Sembel provides the chance to stand amid history by comparing the monumental stelae next to simple headstones of an Islamic cemetery. As a longstanding burial ground, Sembel represents the parade of religions and cultures that made their mark on Eritrea through the centuries.
Taulud
Hidden on a remote plateau between Keren and Massawa sits the abandoned medieval city of Taulud. Built in the 16th century, Taulud served as an Islamic center of learning and commerce for centuries. The abandoned city’s walls, drinking wells, mosque ruins, and cramped multi-story dwellings offer a look into life during that era. Scholars hypothesize that Taulud’s inaccessibility helped protect it from conflict, allowing it to thrive when other Eritrean cities declined. But Taulud was eventually deserted due to water shortages and shifting trade networks. Today, exploring Taulud’s ruins is an adventure into the past that provides a unique contrast to Christian sites and colonial architecture more prevalent in Eritrea. The journey rewards visitors with a beautifully preserved lost city seemingly untouched since its inhabitants vanished centuries prior.
Conclusion
From archaeological wonders to colonial architecture, Eritrea offers visitors the chance to embark on a journey through time. Asmara’s art deco buildings, Adulis’ ancient harbor, the cliffside Debre Bizen monastery, the war-torn yet resilient town of Nakfa, and the ruins of once-prosperous highland cities like Matara, Metera, and Qohaito give travelers a glimpse into the region’s history. Coastal trading hubs, Ottoman fortresses, Aksumite palaces and temples, Islamic mosques, and Italian villas all tell the story of the diverse peoples and faiths that left their imprint on Eritrea over the millennia. With its fascinating historic and cultural attractions and breathtaking Red Sea coastline, Eritrea promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking vestiges of the past.
FAQs
How do I get to Eritrea’s historical sites using public transportation?
Most major historic sites are accessible via shared taxis or buses from Asmara or other cities. Hiring a car and driver is recommended for remote sites like Taulud. Consider joining an organized tour focusing on Eritrea’s history and archeology.
Where can I see ancient stelae in Eritrea?
Some of the best preserved stelae and obelisks left by the Aksumite civilization can be seen at the UNESCO sites of Yeha and Axum in neighboring Ethiopia. But Eritrea has its own share of stelae fields such as at Matara, Qohaito, Sembel, and Metera.
What currency and language is used in Eritrea?
Eritrea’s official currency is the Nakfa, named after the historic war-torn town. Languages spoken include Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. Knowing some basic Tigrinya phrases is helpful when visiting rural areas.
Are visas required to visit Eritrea?
Yes, all foreign nationals require visas issued by Eritrean embassies or on arrival at Asmara airport. Visas must be arranged via approved tour operators. Check current visa regulations before traveling.
What is the best way to get to Eritrea’s Dahlak Islands?
The Dahlak Islands are a popular destination reachable by boat from Massawa. Day trips and multi-day sailing itineraries are offered by tour agencies in Asmara and Massawa. Advanced booking is recommended during peak seasons.