The Asmara State House, the residence and offices of the Eritrean president, occupies an Italian-era complex south of Liberation Avenue. The main building is the former Royal Italian governor's residence, built between 1897 and 1900 — older than most of the city.
The compound is fenced and guarded and not open to visitors, but it can be seen from the surrounding streets. Photographing the building or guards is discouraged. The associated gardens are sometimes opened to the public for major state events.