DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Cinema Roma

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Cinema Roma (Eritrea)

Weather…

Cinema Roma in Asmara was completed in 1937 and is regarded as one of the most iconic examples of the city's Futurist architecture. Designed by architect Bruno Sclafani, the building stands out for its striking marble exterior and geometric lines typical of Italian Rationalism. The interior is particularly grand, featuring extensive use of Carrara marble and dark wood, creating a luxurious atmosphere. It was originally one of many cinemas built to provide entertainment for Italian settlers during the occupation. Today, it functions not only as a movie theater but also houses a café that is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The preservation of original details from the 1930s makes Cinema Roma a living monument to cinema history in East Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202123252627242324222120
Rain mm48726183312514531864

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Cinema Roma is an active cinema that can be visited during film screenings. The facade and cafe are accessible even without watching a film.
🕒
Typical hours
Film screenings usually start in the late afternoon and evening. The cafe is typically open throughout the day.
📷
Photography
Photographing the Art Deco facade is very popular and possible anytime. Inside, photography is not allowed during the screening.
⏱️
Time needed
A quick visit for a photo of the facade takes about 10 minutes. If you want to see a film, allow about two hours.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a coffee at the in-house cafe. Also nearby are Cinema Capitol and Cinema Odeon.
🧭
Getting there
Cinema Roma is on Asmara's main street and easily walkable. Taxis and buses stop right in front of the building.
💡
Insider tip
Watch a film in the evening to experience the authentic atmosphere. The cafe serves traditional Eritrean snacks.

Geography

Coordinates
15.33400, 38.93510

Facts

  • The cinema was opened in 1937 under the direction of architect Bruno Sclafani.
  • The facade is completely clad in the finest Carrara marble.
  • It is located on Sematat Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Asmara.
  • The cinema underwent extensive renovation in 2004, preserving the original design.
  • The auditorium has a seating capacity for several hundred visitors on two levels.
  • Asmara is often called 'La Piccola Roma' because of buildings like this one.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cinema CapitolCinema Capitol<1 km · NEExplore →
Fort Baldissera (Forto)Fort Baldissera (Forto)2 km · SExplore →
Asmara green beltAsmara green belt2 km · SWExplore →
Tank Graveyard AsmaraTank Graveyard Asmara3 km · SExplore →
Asmara nature parkAsmara nature park3 km · NWExplore →
Eritrean Airlines Maintenance CenterEritrean Airlines Maintenance Center5 km · SWExplore →
Sembel Archaeological SiteSembel Archaeological Site6 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.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cinema Roma (10)

Abel's home

Abel's home in Asmara is a private residence with local architectural significance.

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Casa degli Italiani in Asmara houses a gallery with rotating art exhibitions.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Asmara is a church built in a neo-Romanesque style.

H Max

H Max in Asmara is a shop or venue known for its offerings.

Pushkin Monument

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

Haben home

Haben's home in Asmara is a private house featuring typical Eritrean architecture.

Shida Monument

The Shida Monument in Asmara commemorates a historical event or figure.

Kidane Meheret Church

Kidane Meheret Catholic Church in Asmara is a place of worship with modern architecture.

Nation Museum of Eritrea🏛 museum

The National Museum of Eritrea in Asmara displays archaeological finds and exhibits on the country's history.

San Francisco

The San Francisco monument in Asmara is a memorial recalling a historical connection.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Cinema Roma known for?
It is famous for its striking Art Deco facade built in 1937.
Are movies still shown there?
Yes, it is still used as a cinema, often for football matches or local films.
Are there dining options?
The cinema houses one of the best cafes in town with excellent espresso.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is allowed in the cafe, but in the cinema hall you should ask first.
Is the building accessible?
Access to the ground-floor cafe is usually possible without issues.
Cinema Roma: where is it located?
Cinema Roma is located in Eritrea.
Cinema Roma: what is there to see?
Highlights include Abel's home, Casa degli Italiani (Gallery), Saint Joseph's Cathedral.
Cinema Roma: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Cinema Roma: why is it worth visiting?
Cinema Roma in Asmara was completed in 1937 and is regarded as one of the most iconic examples of the city's Futurist architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Eritrea →

Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Cinema Capitol — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Cinema Capitol
Another excellent example of 1930s cinema architecture in Asmara with an impressive curved facade.
Asmara Governor&#39;s Palace — Cinema Roma (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 Roma (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…
Macca Al Mukarama Mosque — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Macca Al Mukarama Mosque
A prominent and architecturally striking mosque in Asmara that is a center of Islamic faith in the city.
Asmara Synagogue — Cinema Roma (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 Roma (Eritrea)
Asmara Opera House
A historical opera house in Asmara from the Italian colonial period, known for its elegant architecture.
Degghi Selam Gate — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Degghi Selam Gate
The striking entrance gate to the Enda Mariam Cathedral complex in Asmara, featuring traditional Aksumite design elements.
Albergo Italia — Cinema Roma (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 Roma (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 Roma (Eritrea)
Imperial Palace of Asmara
The Imperial Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, was built in 1897 during the Italian colonial period.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Cinema Roma (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 Textile Factory — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Asmara Textile Factory
An established clothing and fabric manufacturing facility that processes cotton from the Eritrean lowlands.
Asmara children&#39;s amusement park — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Asmara children's amusement park
A popular park for families with play equipment.
Enda Mariam Cathedral — Cinema Roma (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 youth and children center — Cinema Roma (Eritrea)
Asmara youth and children center
Center for cultural and sports activities for children.