Massawa is a port city in Eritrea, on Africa's Red Sea coast. In the old town, on Massawa Island, a mix of Italian, Egyptian and Ottoman architecture reflects the city's colorful history. On nearby Taulud Island, notable buildings include the crumbling, war-damaged Imperial Palace and St. Mariam Cathedral. Near the cathedral, 3 tanks form a monument commemorating those who died in Eritrea's civil wars.