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Cinema Impero, Asmara

4.0

#8 of 38 in Things to do in Eritrea

Fun & Games Movie Theater

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The Cinema Impero is an Art Deco-style cinema in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. It was built in 1937 by the colonial authorities in Italian Eritrea.HistoryCinema Impero was the largest movie theater constructed in Asmara during the last period of the Italian colony of Eritrea. It was named after the conquest of Ethiopia by Benito Mussolini and his proclamation of the Italian Empire.The building still houses a cinema today, and it is considered by the experts one of the world's finest examples of Art Déco style building.Cinema Impero is still structurally sound after 70 years, escaping damage during the several conflicts that have affected the Horn of Africa over the past century.It is a tourist attraction in modern Asmara, along with the famous Fiat Tagliero Building and some other Italian-period structures of colonial Eritrea, including the Presidential Palace and the City Hall.StructureThe building structure has not been substantially altered since its construction, as designed by architect Mario Messina. Most of the equipment and the seats are all original. Forty-five round lights decorate the front with 'Cinema Impero' in illuminated letters, mounted vertically on the façade. Several pairs of doors lead into the cinema. Each door has an impressive large semi-circular handle forming a full circle with its partner when both are closed.

To visit Cinema Impero on your trip to Asmara, use our Asmara trip planner .
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Cinema Impero Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

18 reviews

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4.5

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4.6

152 likes

• By EdinKrnic

  Old Italian cinema in avenue of independence in center of Asmara. Very nice and beautiful building in heart of city  more »

• By Milva319

  Si trova sulla Harnet Avenue, il cuore della città. La facciata colpisce per il colore e per le decorazioni rotonde comuni ad altre costruzioni dell'epoca e qui diffuse. Il bar interno ha lo standard ...  more »

  Is on Harnet Avenue, the heart of the city. The façade is striking for its color and round decorations common to other buildings of the era and spread here. The inside bar has local standard.
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• By Amete Tekie

  My home town so peaceful 💕💕🙏🙏🙏🇪🇷🇪🇷

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• By Gunasegeran Sellappan

  Another edifice from the Italian Colonial Era. Nothing impressive.

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