Things to Do at Fiat Tagliero Building

Complete Guide to Fiat Tagliero Building in Asmara

About Fiat Tagliero Building

Fiat Tagliero Building offers visitors interactive exhibits spanning three floors with admission typically 90 ERN ($6.03 USD). Arrive early (before 9:30 AM) to avoid tour groups and enjoy better photography lighting. The rustle of turning pages in the research area mixes with the soft click of camera shutters as visitors document their discoveries. Recent renovations have modernized visitor amenities while preserving the authentic character that makes this location unique.

What to See & Do

The Iconic Wings

Marvel at the 70-foot cantilevers that extend without support columns - the engineering feat that makes this building legendary

Art Deco Details

Look closely at the streamlined curves and geometric patterns that exemplify Futurist architectural principles

Central Tower

The vertical element that anchors the composition and gives the building its airplane-like silhouette

Original Signage

Remnants of vintage Fiat branding and period typography that transport you back to the 1930s

Structural Innovation

Appreciate the reinforced concrete construction techniques that were revolutionary for their time

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Exterior viewing available 24/7; interior access is limited and typically requires special permission

Tickets & Pricing

Free to view from the outside; interior tours may require coordination with local authorities

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds

Suggested Duration

30-45 minutes for exterior viewing and photography

Getting There

The Fiat Tagliero Building sits on a main street in central Asmara, impossible to miss once you're downtown. Walking there beats any taxi ride-Asmara's preserved Italian colonial streets are half the experience. Hard to argue with that. Most downtown hotels put you within easy walking distance, and you'll pass the building naturally while touring the city's UNESCO World Heritage architectural sites. Local buses and taxis can drop you nearby if needed. But honestly, don't bother with transport. The building anchors the city center well. You'll stumble across it during any serious exploration of Asmara's colonial architecture-the streets basically funnel you there.

Things to Do Nearby

Cinema Impero
A striking Art Deco movie theater that's still in operation and represents another gem of Asmara's architectural heritage

Asmara Cathedral
The city's impressive Lombard Romanesque cathedral, built in 1922 and a centerpiece of the downtown area

Opera House
A beautifully preserved Italian-era theater that occasionally hosts performances and cultural events

Central Market
A bustling local market where you can experience daily life in Asmara and find traditional crafts

Governor's Palace
An imposing Italian colonial administrative building that showcases the grandeur of the colonial period

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens - the building's dramatic proportions are tricky to capture in a single frame

Visit during different times of day to see how the light plays across the concrete surfaces

Combine your visit with a walking tour of Asmara's other architectural highlights, as they're all within reasonable walking distance

Respect that this is still a functioning building and be mindful of any restrictions on photography or access