Keren

The second-largest city in Eritrea, Keren sits in a wide valley, overlooked by mountain peaks. The site of key battles during the country’s war for independence, as well as during the Second World War, the city is of historical significance.

However, in spite of its war-torn past, it remains a pleasant place to explore, dotted with a number of attractive colonial buildings. Its busy markets, which take place every Monday, are well worth a visit. As well as a bustling general market, there is a very traditional livestock and camel market. Here, Eritrean men inspect the animals on offer, haggling to get a good price.