AfricaFeed

The Coolest Gas Station in Africa

Even before its refurbishment in 2003, the Fiat Tagliero petrol station in Asmara was one Africa’s most iconic Art Deco structures. Designed by Giuseppe Pettazzi and constructed in 1938, the futuristic building is modelled after an airplane.

During construction, and against Pettazzi’s wishes, wooden pillars were used to support the reinforced concrete wings. On the day before opening the architect ordered the labourers to dismantle the supports. They refused, fearing that the building would collapse. Outraged, Pettazzi pointed a loaded gun at them while standing on the tip of the wing. He threatened to shoot them if they didn’t get rid of the props. The workers complied, and 70 years later the pillarless plane still stands and it still serves gas to local Eritreans.