Massawa is the capital city of Eritrea, situated on the coast of the Red Sea in East Africa. It is a beautiful destination that captivate the senses, leaving lasting memories for life. Massawa boasts diverse architecture in terms of history, culture and natural beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we will dig deep into every aspect of Eritrea Massawa so as to help plan your next visit.
Eritrea Massawa was an Ethiopian port in the 16th century and later came under control of Ottoman in 1557. It then changed ownership periodically for 300 years and came under the Italian possession in 1885, and it functioned as the capital of Eritrea colony until 1900.
The British forces took control of it in 1941 until the federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia in 1952. During the war for Eritrean Independence in 1990, the city got defaced badly and after about three decades of war, the country gained its independence, and it has been in charge of its own affairs up to date.
Where is Eritrea Massawa Located?
Eritrea Massawa is can be located on the coast of the Red Sea at the northern end of the Gulf of Zula besides the Dahlak archipelago.
Eritrea Massawa is known to be a small port city and the total number of people living in it is about 53090. The most dominating religions in the town are the Christians and Muslims.
The Port of Massawa is a small port in Eritrea connecting Asmara, the national capital. This city is beautifully decorated with diverse colonial architecture that tells a lot of great and sad stories of the past. It is a charming place to be if you want to connect to the past.
Eritrea Massawa Historic Sites
The city’s buildings are influenced by Egyptian, Italian and Ottoman architecture that depicts the town’s beautiful history. Some renowned buildings are crumbling, war-damaged Imperial Palace and the St. Mariam Cathedral close to the Taulud Island.
During Eritrea’s Civil war, three tanks were captured and used as a graveyard remembering the brave fallen Eritreans at the time of the war. This graveyard is located closed to the cathedral. Below are some of the historic sites in Massawa.
1. Memorial Plaza for Victims of Massawa Battle
Back in the days of Eritrea civil wars, three Ethiopian tanks were assigned to destroy the Eritrean forces but the brave soldiers of Eritrea conquered and seized those tanks and used them as a monument for memorial for the fallen heroes at the time of the war.
It is believed that back in the days, Eritrea could not afford to acquire such tanks. This memorial plaza is situated in the old town, across the bridge.
2. Former Banco d’Italia
This Banco d’ltalia is an ancient Italian bank established in1920 located at Massawa. Back in the days, under the Italian control, it served as the largest bank but its named was later changed to Haile Selassie Bank under the Ethiopian administration.
3. Former Imperial Palace
The Former Imperial Palace is located near the Dahlak Hotel in Massawa. It was built by the Turkish Osdemir Pasha in 1872 to 1874 for the Swiss adventurer Werner Munzinger.
This palace was also used by Emperor Haile Selassie during the Ethiopian federation and got destroyed during the struggle for independence. If you get the chance to visit Eritrea, don’t miss out the opportunity to connect to the past as you stroll the imperial Palace.
4. Mosque of the Companions
The Mosque of the champions (al-Sahaba Mosque) is believed to be the oldest mosque built in Eritrea by the first Muslims who arrived in Abyssinia. It is located in Massawa and it is believed to be the first mosque built in the world.
5. St. Mariam Cathedral
St. Mariam Cathedral, an Orthodox church situated at Massawa, was built in 1993 at the time Eritrea gained its independence. The Church was then separated from the Ethiopian Church. The building is very fascinating and its artworks speaks volume to the locals and tourists alike. It can be located close to the Public Library and the railway station.
6. Ferrovia Coloniale Massawa-Asmara
The railway station, which was once an Italian gemstone back in 1911 is now in a deteriorated state. It was built between 1887 and 1932 during the Italian Eritrea colonial era. This railway connects the port of Massawa and Asmara, even though it has degenerated, it is still charming. Visit the premises, stroll around and get connected to the past.
7. Covered Bazaar
The Covered Bazaar is a city on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Zula, beside the Dahlak Archipelago. The building is influenced by Turkish architecture but it has degenerated by bullet and missile attacks from the Ethiopian air forces during the war. Looking at the state of the building today, tells so much about the city young days. Do not miss out the opportunity to visit the Cover Bazaar when you find yourself on a trip to Massawa.
Massawa Eritrea Beaches
Aside the various historic sites in Massawa, there are also Islands with serene beaches for tourists and nature enthusiasts. Some of these beaches are suitable for water sport activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and parasailing. If one wants to escapes the everyday hustling and bustling, then think about the beaches Eritrea Massawa has to offer.
1.Dahlak Kebir Beach
This beach is the largest island in the Dahlak Archipelago, and it is one of the best beaches found in Eritrea. It has a beautiful shore that is suitable for holiday retreats and picnics. Also, its crystal clear waters make it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. Dahlak Kebir beach is inviting all beach lovers from around the world to come and enjoy the magic experience of its charming and serene shore.
2. Gurgusum Beach
Gurgusum is a muddy shallow water beach on the coast of the Red Sea. It is a hotel beach located at northern outskirts of Massawa with lot of date palm at the bank.
Massawa, Eritrea Hotels
Massawa, the beautiful port city on the coast of the Red Sea, adorned with ancient architecture has many hotels and and resorts. The city offers luxurious hotel accommodations and ecofriendly guesthouses to tourists no matter your budget. Below are some of the hotels in Eritrea Massawa.
1. Central Hotel
Hotel Central is a hotel in Massawa municipality. It can be located close to the Public Library and Kidane Meheret Catholic Church. It is a decent hotel with clean environment and has everything a hotel suppose to have. Do not worry when planning your visit as Massawa promises to accommodate you.
2. Dahlak Hotel
Thank yDahlak Hotel is huge hotel with three restaurants, a pool and access to the sea. It is located opposite the old Haile Selassie Palace in Massawa.
Its rooms are spacious and clean with efficient and reasonable priced same day laundry services. Experience a magical Christmas escape at the Dahlak Hotel with cozy accommodations and warm hospitality that will make your stay an unforgettable one.
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