Former Imperial Palace

See the Former Imperial Palace, a once-grandiose palace that was destroyed during the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict in 1990. Originally built as the private mansion of Werner Munzinger, a Swiss explorer of Africa, and later serving as Emperor Haile Selassie's winter retreat throughout the first part of the twentieth century, the edifice has long been an important political and cultural site. It has become one of the most beautiful historical sites in Eritrea.

The palace was severely destroyed during the Conflict of Independence, and its current state provides a very vivid introduction to how Massawa looked shortly after the war and the Old Town. Because it is mostly in ruins, you can see the specter of its former greatness through the imposing pillars, terraces, and the combination of blue and white marble tiles. Because the gates are rarely secured, it is normally able to stroll around the grounds.

Address: Imperial Palace, Mitsiwa, Eritrea