Asmara Theatre

The building was erected on a hillside in Italian Asmara,[2] at the eastern end of the north side of today's Harriet Avenue (the old Corso Italia, later named Corso Mussolini and now the main road of Asmara) and at the corner of Beleza Street.

This location made it possible to make the ascent to the Opera as a monumental staircase, which is circled on both sides by a shell-shaped fountain and a Renaissance-style loggia with Corinthian columns.

The rest of the exterior of the building, especially the Beleza Street side facing, is castle-like, designed with battlements and towers.

[3] The building was named Teatro Asmara until after being purchased by Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1952 from the Italian owners for far below the market value.

[4] In the foyer, there is now a cafe, and in a side building, the headquarters of the national telephone company Eritel.