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Cinema Odeon

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Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)

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Cinema Odeon in Asmara is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, completed in 1937. Designed by architect Giuseppe Pettazzi, who also created the famous Fiat Tagliero building, the cinema stands out with its elegant facade and distinctive vertical lines. It is located directly on Harnet Avenue, the most prestigious street in the city. The building is characterized by its symmetrical form and stylish window bands, typical of Italian modernism from the interwar period. The interior preserves much of its original charm, including a stylish bar and foyer. During the colonial era, it was an exclusive venue for film screenings and social gatherings for the elite. Today, Cinema Odeon is a protected cultural monument and an integral part of Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage status. It serves as a reminder of the era when Asmara functioned as a laboratory for avant-garde architectural styles.

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
Cinema Odeon is an architectural gem that can usually be viewed from outside. The interior is rarely open to the public.
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Typical hours
Since the cinema is no longer regularly operating, there are no fixed opening hours. The best time to visit is during daytime with good light.
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Photography
The facade of Cinema Odeon is a popular photo subject. Photography from the street is possible anytime.
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Time needed
A visit from outside takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. Allow a little more time to admire the details of the facade.
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Combine with
Cinema Odeon is near Cinema Capitol and Cinema Roma. A walk along Liberty Avenue connects all three cinemas.
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Getting there
The cinema is in downtown Asmara and accessible on foot. Taxis and buses stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Come in the late afternoon for the best light for photos. The facade is especially beautiful at sunset.

Geography

Coordinates
15.33700, 38.93100

Facts

  • The cinema was opened in 1937 and designed by architect Giuseppe Pettazzi.
  • It is located at the intersection of Harnet Avenue and BDHO Street.
  • The facade combines elements of Art Deco with Italian Rationalism.
  • Inside, there is a bar that still features original furnishings from the 1930s.
  • The cinema was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017.
  • In the 1930s, it was one of more than ten cinemas operating in the small city.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kidane Mehret CathedralKidane Mehret Cathedral<1 km · NEExplore →
Italian Cemetery AsmaraItalian Cemetery Asmara2 km · SEExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park4 km · NWExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center5 km · SWExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site6 km · SWExplore →
Historical Toka EbaHistorical Toka Eba15 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cinema Odeon (10)

Hewenet

A meeting point or square in Asmara, known as a local attraction.

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Former Italian cultural center in Asmara, now a gallery for contemporary art and exhibitions.

Shida Monument

Monument in Asmara commemorating a historical event or person.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

National museum of Eritrea in Asmara, displaying archaeological finds and historical artifacts.

🕒 09:00-11:00,15:00-17:00; We off

Abel's home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Abel.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Church in Asmara, Eritrea, seat of the bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese.

Kidane Meheret Church

Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea, dedicated to Our Lady of the Covenant of Mercy.

Haben home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Haben.

Pushkin Monument

Monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in Asmara.

San Francisco

Monument in Asmara, possibly named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

In what style was Cinema Odeon built?
It is an outstanding example of the Italian Art Deco style of the 1930s.
What makes the interior of Cinema Odeon so special?
It impresses with its elegant bar and well-preserved interior design.
Can the cinema still be visited today?
Yes, you can often visit the cafe/bar even if no movies are playing.
When was the Odeon opened?
The cinema was opened in 1937 during Asmara's heyday.
Where is the cinema located in Asmara?
It is located near Harnet Avenue in the center of the city.
Cinema Odeon: where is it located?
Cinema Odeon is located in Eritrea.
Cinema Odeon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hewenet, Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Shida Monument.
Cinema Odeon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Cinema Odeon: why is it worth visiting?
Cinema Odeon in Asmara is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, completed in 1937.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Kidane Mehret Cathedral — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Kidane Mehret Cathedral
A striking Catholic cathedral of the Eritrean rite in Asmara, known for its impressive brick architecture.
Albergo Italia — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Albergo Italia
The oldest hotel in Asmara, which has been carefully restored and retains its elegant Italian charm from 1899.
Asmara Municipality Building — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara Municipality Building
The administrative center of the city of Asmara, a massive building with mosaics reflecting fascist monumental architecture.
Asmara Opera House — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Asmara Telecommunications Building — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara Telecommunications Building
A significant modernist building in the center of Asmara representing the architecture of the late 1930s.
Mai Jah Jah Fountain — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Mai Jah Jah Fountain
A stepped fountain in Asmara that is a popular architectural photo motif and shapes the cityscape.
Asmara Governor&#39;s Palace — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara Governor's Palace
The historic palace in the center of Asmara, built during the colonial period, featuring neoclassical traits.
Ministry of Education Asmara — Cinema Odeon (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…

More places

🗺️
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.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Catholic St.
Cinema Impero — Cinema Odeon (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 Odeon (Eritrea)
Imperial Palace of Asmara
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Cinema Odeon (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 Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara children's amusement park
A popular park for families with play equipment.
Asmara Power Plant — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Asmara Power Plant
An important diesel power plant in the capital region that supports local energy supply.
Fiat Tagliero Building — Cinema Odeon (Eritrea)
Fiat Tagliero Building
The Fiat Tagliero service station in Asmara is one of the most impressive examples of Futurist architecture from the Italian colonial per…