Mussolini's grand plans for an African empire with Asmara as the capital crumbled with World War II. British forces overran the Italians and Asmara's architectural experiment came to an end.

Asmara is now one of the world's major centres for Art Deco with around 400 buildings constructed during the years of Italian colonial rule.

The Asmara Opera Building, designed by Odoardo Cavagnari and built in 1918.


Like Cinema Roma, there was a café in the foyer.


We then walked down the palm tree lined Martyrs Avenue. Asmara is often touted as the most beautiful city in Africa and from my short stroll so far I could definitely see why.