TheCinema Impero (lit. "Empire Cinema") is anArt Deco-stylecinema inAsmara, the capital ofEritrea.[1] It was built in 1937 by the colonial authorities inItalian Eritrea.
Cinema Impero was the largest movie theater constructed in Asmara during the last period of the Italian colony of Eritrea. It was named after theconquest ofEthiopia byBenito Mussolini and his proclamation of theItalian 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.[2]
Cinema Impero is still structurally sound after 70 years, escaping damage during the several conflicts that have affected theHorn of Africa over the past century.
It is a tourist attraction in modern Asmara – along with the famousFiat Tagliero Building and some other Italian-period structures of colonial Eritrea (including thePresidential Palace and theCity Hall) – that have made Asmara aWorld Heritage Site by theUNESCO in 2017.[3]
The building structure has not been substantially altered since its construction, as designed by architect Mario Messina.[4] 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 a large semi-circular handle forming a full circle with its partner when both are closed.
15°20′12″N38°56′25″E / 15.33667°N 38.94028°E /15.33667; 38.94028
