Italy is the perfect place to visit for the historical sites, beaches, and, of course, the pasta. But Italy’s picturesque landscapes and gorgeous villas also make it one of Hollywood’s favorite places to film. From spies and Jedis to princesses and con-men, Italy has welcomed many of cinema’s most memorable movies and characters. Here is where you can find nine incredible filming locations to visit in Italy.
Tivoli Gardens in Rome
For Lizzie and Paolo’s date in The Lizzie Mcguire Movie, they went to the Tivoli Gardens also known as Villa d’Este in Rome. The gardens also appeared in the movie Three Coins in the Fountain. The gardens and the villa that rest in the center were created during the Italian Renaissance and were named a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s famous for its various fountains, especially the Water Organ Fountain that plays music for guests. Tickets are only 8€ to view the gardens.
The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
The Spanish Steps are seen in several movies and overlook the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in Rome. In The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Lizzie and Paolo sign autographs on the steps after she officially comes out as Isabella. There is a scene from Roman Holiday on the steps where Audrey Hepburn enjoys gelato and her newly acquired freedom, and Matt Damon’s character from The Talented Mr. Ripley is seen arranging a meeting in a fictional cafe in the Piazza di Spagna.
The Royal Palace of Caserta
In Mission Impossible 3, Ethan Hunt and his team need to break into the Vatican; instead of filming at the Vatican, however, they film at The Royal Palace of Caserta, located in Caserta, in Southern Italy. The palace was built in the 18th Century by order of the Charles VII of Bourbon, King of Naples, who wanted a palace of equal or greater beauty to that of Versailles. Caserta was also used as the Theed Royal Palace in Naboo seen in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The main staircase in the palace was used as the Vatican’s staircase in a scene from Angels & Demons. The palace is open every day but Tuesday, and tourists can view the inside of the palace, the gardens, and the park for just 12€. With your student card, you are sure to get discounted tickets.
Tiber River
The Tiber River is the famous river that flows from Tuscany through Rome all the way to the Tyrhennian Sea. In Mission Impossible 3, there was a motorboat chase through the Tiber River and in the latest James Bond flick, Spectre there was a car chase along the edge of the river. The romantic comedy Only You, filmed a scene on Tiber Island in the middle of the river. In Roman Holiday, Ann and Joe dance by the river and fight off government agents. With the Rome Boat Experience, tourists can go on a hop on hop off cruise tour with commentary offered in multiple languages. Those looking for something fancier can be treated to a 4-course meal on a dinner cruise or enjoy wine and appetizers with the wine bar cruise.
Casa di Giulietta
Letters to Juliet was filmed largely in Verona, Siena, and Tuscany but one of the most recognizable places would be the, Casa di Giulietta, or the House of Juliet. The 13th century house is said to have been the home of Juliet Capulet. Tourists can take a tour through the house, take pictures on the balcony or with Juliet’s statue, and write love messages on the courtyard wall. Additionally, couples can leave locks on the entrance gate to seal their love. Admission into the courtyard is only 3€.
Piazza Del Campo
The Piazza Del Campo is a gorgeous medieval square in the center of Siena, Italy and is the main place for civic events, festivals, and social gatherings in the city. Sophie and Charlie from Letters to Juliet take a stroll through the plaza. Shots of the town’s famous Palio Horse Race were shown in conjunction with a foot chase in Quantum of Solace. In The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Bella sprints through the Piazza Del Campo to prevent Edward from revealing himself to the humans and collides with him under the Torre del Mangia clock tower.
Trevi Fountain
No Italian sight-seeing list would be complete without the Trevi Fountain. Legend tells that if someone tosses a coin into the magical fountain (with their right hand over their left shoulder) their wish will come true and they will return to Rome someday. According to The Guardian, €3,000 in coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain each day. The fountain is located in the Piazza di Trevi, in Rome, Italy. The fountain has been the setting for an endless list of movies including, The Lizzie Mcguire Movie, Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, and Three Coins in a Fountain.
Lake Como
Lago di Como or Lake Como, located in Lombardy Northern Italy is the third largest lake in Italy. The sapphire blue waters surrounded by snow capped mountains is a must see. Tourists can travel to the lake from Milan by train. The lake served as Padmé and Anakin’s hideaway in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, where the two stayed in the Villa del Balbianello. Alfred Hitchcock filmed scenes for his first movie, The Pleasure Garden by the lake. In Casino Royale, James Bond goes to visit Mr. White at Villa de Gaeta, a beautiful lakeside estate. Ocean’s Twelve also filmed on Lake Como in Villa Erba.
The Colosseum
The grand ancient battle arena in Rome has been featured in several movies. The Colosseum is shown as it would have been in it’s prime (with the help of CGI) in the movie Gladiator. Hayden Christensen’s character finds someone with his same abilities in Jumper while Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris fight inside the arena in The Way of the Dragon. In The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Lizzie and Paolo are seen walking into the Colosseum for an award show. For those who plan to visit, a combined ticket for the Colosseum and the Palatine is €12.00.
So whether you’re looking to have your wish come true at the Trevi Fountain Lizzie Mcguire style, or to have a Roman Holiday of your own, Italy is definitely the place to do it. So why not go on an adventure and take a journey through film in one of the most beautiful countries in the world?