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Cinema Capitol

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Landmark
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Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)

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Cinema Capitol in Asmara is one of the city's most spectacular cinemas and a masterpiece of Italian Rationalist architecture. Completed in 1938 based on the designs of architect Mario Messina, the building is notable for its sweeping curved facade and a bold roof construction that was pioneering for its time. A truly unique feature was its mechanically retractable roof, which allowed audiences to enjoy films under the starlit sky of the Eritrean highlands, a technical marvel that highlights the technological ambition of the era. Inside, the cinema has a grand hall with excellent acoustics and ornate decorations that have preserved the glamour of the early 20th century. For decades, the Capitol was a hub of cultural life in Asmara, screening everything from Italian classics to international productions. Despite political shifts and wars, the building has remained almost perfectly preserved. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and continues to host cultural events and film screenings. It stands as a symbol of the architectural avant-garde that earned Asmara the nickname 'Piccola Roma' of Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202123252627242324222120
Rain mm48726183312514531864

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cinema Capitol is a historic building that can usually only be viewed from outside. The interior may be accessible during film screenings.
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Typical hours
Film screenings typically take place in the afternoon and evening. The exterior facade is visible anytime during daylight.
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Photography
Taking photos of the facade is allowed anytime. If you visit the interior, ask about the photography rules.
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Time needed
A short visit from outside takes about 10 minutes. If you want to watch a film, allow at least two hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along Asmara's main street. Cinema Odeon and Cinema Roma are just a few minutes away.
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Getting there
Cinema Capitol is in central Asmara and easily reachable on foot. Many buses and taxis stop in the area.
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Insider tip
Visit the cinema in the evening when the facade is lit up. Ask about current film screenings if you want to catch a movie.

Geography

Coordinates
15.33500, 38.93600

Facts

  • The cinema was designed by architect Mario Messina in 1938.
  • It features a unique retractable roof for open-air film screenings.
  • The facade showcases the clean horizontal lines typical of Rationalism.
  • In its heyday, it was one of more than a dozen cinemas operating in Asmara.
  • The building was recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017.
  • The interior includes original wood carvings and Art Deco decorative elements.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cinema RomaCinema Roma<1 km · SWExplore →
Fort Baldissera (Forto)Fort Baldissera (Forto)2 km · SExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park3 km · NWExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center6 km · SWExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site7 km · SWExplore →
Debre Bizen MonasteryDebre Bizen Monastery15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cinema Capitol (1)

Abel's home📍 landmark

Abel's home stands out in the Kino Capitol district of Asmara as an example of the distinct local residential architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Cinema Capitol?
It has a retractable roof that was formerly used for ventilation.
When was Cinema Capitol built?
It was built in 1938 according to the designs of architect R. Cappellano.
Is it still used as a cinema today?
Yes, it is one of the many historic cinemas in Asmara that are still in operation.
In what architectural style is it built?
It is a classic example of Italian Futurism.
Where is the cinema located?
It is centrally located on one of the side streets of Harnet Avenue.
Cinema Capitol: where is it located?
Cinema Capitol is located in Eritrea.
Cinema Capitol: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Cinema Capitol: why is it worth visiting?
Cinema Capitol in Asmara is one of the city's most spectacular cinemas and a masterpiece of Italian Rationalist architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Asmara — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara
The capital of Eritrea is renowned for its well-preserved modernist architecture.

History & landmarks

Cinema Roma — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Cinema Roma
An iconic Art Deco cinema in Asmara that still shows movies and houses a popular cafe.
Ministry of Education Asmara — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Ministry of Education Asmara
An impressive administrative building in Asmara that once served as the headquarters of the fascist party and is today dedicated to educa…
Asmara Governor&#39;s Palace — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara Governor's Palace
The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.
Degghi Selam Gate — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Degghi Selam Gate
The striking entrance gate to the Enda Mariam Cathedral complex in Asmara, featuring traditional Aksumite design elements.
Asmara Synagogue — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara Synagogue
The only surviving Jewish place of worship in Eritrea, testifying to the city's once thriving Jewish community.
Asmara Opera House — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Macca Al Mukarama Mosque — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Macca Al Mukarama Mosque
A prominent and architecturally striking mosque in Asmara that is a center of Islamic faith in the city.
Albergo Italia — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.

More places

Cinema Impero — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Cinema Impero
The Cinema Impero in Asmara is one of the best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the world.
Imperial Palace of Asmara — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Imperial Palace of Asmara
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.
Asmara Textile Factory — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara Textile Factory
An established clothing and fabric manufacturing facility that processes cotton from the Eritrean lowlands.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Catholic St.
🗺️
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque
The Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque in the center of Asmara was built during the Italian colonial period in the late 1930s.
Asmara youth and children center — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara youth and children center
Center for cultural and sports activities for children.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Enda Mariam Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral of Enda Mariam in Asmara is one of the three most prominent religious buildings in the city.
Asmara children&#39;s amusement park — Cinema Capitol (Eritrea)
Asmara children's amusement park
A popular park for families with play equipment.