Things to Do at Cinema Impero

Complete Guide to Cinema Impero in Asmara

About Cinema Impero

Cinema Impero offers visitors guided tours running every 45 minutes with admission typically 90 ERN ($6.03 USD). Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit, including time for the gift shop. Fresh mountain air carries the sound of church bells from the distance while gravel pathways crunch satisfyingly beneath visitors' feet. Located in Asmara's historic district, the site connects to nearby attractions via a well-marked pedestrian trail.

What to See & Do

Art Deco Facade

The building's exterior showcases classic Art Deco elements including geometric patterns, curved corners, and streamlined design that epitomizes 1930s modernist architecture

Original Interior Features

Step inside to see period details like vintage lighting fixtures, decorative elements, and the classic cinema layout that has been carefully preserved

Active Cinema Experience

Catch a film screening to experience the venue as it was intended - the acoustics and atmosphere give you a genuine sense of 1930s cinema culture

Architectural Photography

The building's photogenic qualities make it a favorite for architecture enthusiasts, particularly the interplay of light and shadow on its geometric surfaces

Historical Context

Use your visit to understand Asmara's broader Art Deco landscape - Cinema Impero serves as an excellent introduction to the city's unique architectural story

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open during film screening times, typically evenings. Hours can be irregular, so it's worth checking locally for current showtimes

Tickets & Pricing

Film tickets are very affordable by international standards. Exterior viewing and photography is free during daylight hours

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon offers the best light for photography, while evening screenings provide the authentic cinema experience

Suggested Duration

30 minutes for exterior appreciation, 2-3 hours if attending a film screening

Getting There

Cinema Impero sits on a main street in central Asmara, walkable from most downtown hotels. Easy to reach. You'll probably stumble across it while exploring the city center-Asmara is that compact. The building works well as part of an architectural walking tour through the area. Most visitors walk everywhere. The city's flat terrain and simple grid layout make taxis unnecessary, though they're cheap if you're staying further out.

Things to Do Nearby

Fiat Tagliero Building
Perhaps Asmara's most famous Art Deco structure, this former gas station resembles an airplane and represents Futurist architecture at its most ambitious

Cathedral of Asmara
The city's Romanesque Catholic cathedral provides an interesting architectural contrast and serves as a central landmark

Asmara Opera House
Another beautiful example of Italian colonial architecture that continues to host performances and cultural events

Central Market
A bustling traditional market where you can experience contemporary Eritrean life and find local crafts and produce

Liberation Avenue
The main thoroughfare lined with cafes, shops, and more examples of the Art Deco architecture that defines central Asmara

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera - the building photographs beautifully, especially during golden hour when the light hits the geometric facade

Check with locals or your hotel about current film schedules, as showtimes aren't always posted online

Combine your visit with a broader Art Deco walking tour of Asmara to fully appreciate the architectural context

Respect that this is a functioning cinema - if attending a screening, follow local etiquette and customs