Trip Planner: Africa / Eritrea / Northern Red Sea Region / Massawa / Former Imperial Palace

Former Imperial Palace, Massawa

3.3

Castle · Historic Site

At Former Imperial Palace, see a once-grandiose building now in decay, destroyed in 1990 during the Ethiopian-Eritrean war. Initially built as the private residence of Werner Munzinger, a Swiss man who explored Africa, and later serving as the winter residence of Emperor Haile Selassie during the first half of the 20th century, the building has long been an important political and cultural site. Since it’s now mostly in ruins, you can see the shadow of its past glory, manifesting itself through the imposing pillars, terraces, and the combination of blue and white marble tiles. For Former Imperial Palace and beyond, use our Massawa trip planner to get the most from your Massawa vacation.

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Former Imperial Palace reviews

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9 reviews

By EdinKrnic

This is ghost town. I’m really sorry about this. Nothing to see in Massawa. But I hope that one day Massawa will be same like 20 years ago. more »
By Ukinow

This is a complete ruin. It's a pity, it used to have to be beautiful. Imperial lions still guard the entrance. more »

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6 days in Eritrea BY A USER FROM UKRAINE September, outdoors, beaches, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems Preferences: September, outdoors, beaches, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy 15 days in Ethiopia & Eritrea BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 30 days in Asia, Africa & South America BY A USER FROM VIETNAM October, kids, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, museums, shopping, popular sights Preferences: October, kids, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, museums, shopping Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 6 days in Eritrea BY A USER FROM LEBANON June, popular sights Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 9 days in Eritrea BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES April, teens, popular sights Preferences: April, teens Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 15 days in Eritrea BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, wildlife, popular & hidden gems Preferences: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium

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