Asmara

Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, sits high on a cool highland plateau and is one of the most remarkable and unexpected cities in Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated as an exceptionally complete example of early twentieth-century Modernist architecture. Built up in the 1930s, its palm-lined avenues are lined with streamlined Art Deco cinemas, elegant villas, cafés and a famous futurist petrol station shaped like an aeroplane, giving the city the nickname of a Modernist dream frozen in time. Relaxed, walkable and famed for its café culture, gentle climate and easygoing charm, Asmara is a genuinely unique living museum of design and one of Africa's most surprising urban gems.

What you actually see

• The Fiat Tagliero - the famous aeroplane-shaped futurist petrol station.
• The Art Deco cinemas - the streamlined 1930s cinemas and cafés.
• The palm avenues - the elegant boulevards and villas.
• The café culture - the relaxed espresso bars of the city.

When to go

October to March brings mild, dry and pleasant weather to the high plateau, ideal for strolling the boulevards and enjoying the café culture; Asmara's altitude keeps it temperate year-round, though the summer months bring some rain. The clear highland light flatters the Modernist facades beautifully.

Honest expectations

Asmara is a relaxed, low-key city whose appeal is its extraordinary architectural ensemble, café culture and atmosphere rather than blockbuster monuments, and its gentle pace suits unhurried wandering. As a UNESCO World Heritage showcase of Modernist design unlike anywhere else, a living museum of streamlined 1930s architecture, though, Asmara is a genuinely unique and delightful city.

Nearby

The dramatic escarpment road down towards Massawa lies beyond the plateau.