Cruise Report

Massawa (Eritrea)

Because of its position in the Red Sea, for thousands of years Eritrea has developed a unique culture as a crossroad of civilisations. Massawa is its sea gateway and has flourished as an important trade port.

Historic Massawa

Eritrea achieved independence in 1993 after a 30 year independence war against Ethiopia, and is the second newest country in Africa. With a rich history, Massawa is one of its oldest cities, and nowadays operates as a port city, acting as the gateway to the Red Sea and the Dahlak Archipelago. Even though Eritrea’s area is not very large, it has a wide diversity of terrains and climate. As an example, its lowest point is at sea level while its highest is 3,018 meters above the sea. It is said that you can experience three different seasons in just two hours! Eritrea has 9 different indigenous ethnic groups, each with their own dance, music, and culture ingrained in the hearts of their people.

To Asmara: Eritrea’s Capital

Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city that has flourished as a commercial center since ancient times. Its Italian Art Deco landscape, with architecture from the 1920s and 1930s, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, as well as the bell tower of its Catholic Cathedral seen from anywhere in the city, combines to make an appealing landscape. Eritrea’s soul food is injera, a crepe-like bread made from fermented water and flour eaten together with stewed meat, beans, vegetables and so on. When in Eritrea, be sure to enjoy some injera!

PHOTO: PEACEBOAT, Mizumoto Shunya, AdobeStock