Plizio Visual Lab

Cinema Impero

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Cinema Impero is the most famous movie theater in Asmara and a world-renowned masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Built in 1937 during the Italian colonial period, it was designed by the architect Mario Messina. The cinema was named after the Italian Empire (Impero) proclaimed by Benito Mussolini. Its facade is iconic for its 45 circular windows and vertical light poles that illuminate Harnet Avenue at night. It remains one of the few cinemas in the world that has been preserved almost exactly as it was when it opened, including the original wooden seats and projection equipment. The interior features plaster reliefs depicting African motifs, blending international Art Deco style with local cultural elements. The building symbolizes the rapid modernization Asmara underwent in the 1930s, earning it the nickname 'Little Rome.' Today, Cinema Impero is a cornerstone of Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage status and continues to host film screenings and cultural events.

Location: Eritrea
Top sights: Casa degli Italiani (Gallery) · Abel's home · Saint Joseph's Cathedral
Nearby: Filfil (26 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	21	23	25	26	27	24	23	24	22	21	20
Rain mm	4	8	7	26	18	33	125	145	31	8	6	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Cinema Impero in Asmara is a public cinema and can be visited during screenings or by appointment. The impressive Art Deco style is experienced both outside and inside.

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Typical hours

The cinema typically opens for screening times, which are usually in the afternoon and evening. Current schedules are available at the box office or online.

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Photography

Photographing the distinctive Art Deco facade is possible anytime. Inside the auditorium, photography is not allowed during screenings, but is permitted before or after the film.

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Time needed

A simple visit to the building takes about 15-30 minutes. If you want to watch a film, allow about two hours for the whole stay.

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Combine with

The cinema is in central Asmara, where many other modern architectural gems from the Italian colonial period are located. Combining it with the Fiat Tagliero building is recommended.

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Getting there

Cinema Impero is on Asmara's main street, walkable from the city centre. Taxis and buses stop near the building.

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Insider tip

Try to attend a film screening to fully experience the historic cinema atmosphere. The seats are often simple, but the ambiance is unique.

Geography

Coordinates

15.33550, 38.93330

Facts

The cinema was officially opened in 1937.
The facade features exactly 45 circular windows.
Architect Mario Messina designed the structure.
It has a seating capacity of approximately 1,800.
The interior decor and seats are largely original.
Located on the central Harnet Avenue in Asmara.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Asmara Governor's Palace<1 km · EExplore →

Italian Cemetery Asmara2 km · SEExplore →

Asmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →

Tank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →

Asmara nature park4 km · NWExplore →

Eritrean Airlines Maintenance Center5 km · SWExplore →

Sembel Archaeological Site6 km · SWExplore →

Debre 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.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cinema Impero (10)

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Casa degli Italiani in Asmara. A gallery showcasing Italian heritage.

Abel's home

Abel's home in Asmara. A private residence known as a local point.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Asmara. It is a church in Eritrea.

Shida Monument

The Shida Monument in Asmara. A monument commemorating a historical event.

Haben home

Haben's home in Asmara. A private residence known as a local point.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

The National Museum of Eritrea in Asmara. It displays the country's history.

H Max

H Max in Asmara. A place serving as a shop or meeting point.

Kidane Meheret Church

Kidane Meheret Church in Asmara. It is a Catholic church in Eritrea.

Pushkin Monument

The Pushkin Monument in Asmara. It honors the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

San Francisco

The San Francisco Monument in Asmara. A monument recalling the city of San Francisco.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are movies still shown at Cinema Impero?

Yes, the cinema is still in operation and regularly shows movies as well as sports broadcasts.

What is special about this cinema's Art Deco style?

The facade with round windows and the well-preserved interior from the 1930s are iconic.

Can you visit the cinema without a movie ticket?

You can often peek into the lobby, but to see the auditorium you should attend a screening.

When was the building erected?

Cinema Impero was built in 1937 by the Italians and was the most modern cinema in Asmara at the time.

Is there a café or bar in the cinema?

There is usually a small stand in the lobby for refreshments and snacks during intermissions.

Cinema Impero: where is it located?

Cinema Impero is located in Eritrea.

Cinema Impero: what is there to see?

Highlights include Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Abel's home, Saint Joseph's Cathedral.

Cinema Impero: when is the best time to visit?