Rome’s everlasting charm makes this city a wonderful film set. In fact, there have been many filmmakers who have chosen the Eternal City as the location in which to shoot their films. For movie enthusiasts, walking around the city to discover the places that have been the setting for epic movie scenes can be a tempting idea. This city has captivated the imagination of filmmakers for decades because of its ruins, its history, and stunning architecture.
Here we suggest a journey to discover the most famous movie location in Rome:
The Trevi Fountain:
This iconic landmark appears in many movies, but the most epic are the scenes of “Roman Holiday,” “Three Coins in the Fountain” and above all the Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita”.
The Colosseum:
A must of any tour in Rome, the largest amphitheater ever built has been featured in many movies, including “Ben-Hur,” “Gladiator,” and “The Passion of the Christ.”
The Spanish Steps:
The stairway in Piazza di Spagna that leads to Trinità dei Monti appears in a lot of movies “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “Romancing the Stone,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Eat, Pray, Love”, Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris and most of all the iconic scene of Vacanze Romane in which Audrey Hepburn runs down the Spanish Steps in a white dress.
The Vatican City:
The Basilica of San Pietro and its square appears in many movies featuring the Catholic Church of medieval history such as “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels & Demons,” and the tv series “The Borgias.”
Piazza Navona:
This hectic square, adorned with fountains and Baroque architecture, is a perfect set for many filmmakers. Here Tom Hanks races against time in “Angels & Demons” but the famous fountains Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the Fontana del Moro appear in other movies like “Roman Holiday,” “The Great Beauty,” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
The Pantheon:
An ancient Roman temple that is one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome that we can see in many movies e.g. “The Mummy,” “Hannibal,” and “Pompeii” and Da Vinci Code.
The Roman Forum:
This popular tourist destination was the center of ancient Rome and appears in many movies about Roman Empire such as “Gladiator,” “The Life of Brian,” and “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone.” Not only, the Roman Forum is recognizable in the classic film Roman Holiday where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck strolled through the ruins.
The Catacombs of Rome:
The underground tunnels that were used by early Christians to bury their dead appear in movies like “Ben-Hur,” “The Name of the Rose,” and “The Passion of the Christ.”
The Borghese Gardens:
A popular place to relax and picnic in the heart of Rome that has been set for many movies as “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Roman Holiday,” and “The Great Beauty.”
The Mouth of Truth
In a memorable scene in “Roman Holiday” where Audrey Hepburn’s character tests her companion’s honesty.
Casa del cinema:
This cultural hub located in Villa Borghese is dedicated to the art of filmmaking and hosts screenings, exhibitions, and events celebrating the rich cinematic heritage of Rome.
Cinecittà Studios:
The famed film studios of Rome established by Mussolini in 1937, this studio has been the birthplace of many iconic films, including Federico Fellini’s masterpieces. Take a studio tour and immerse yourself in the history of Italian cinema.
To better live in this Hollywood atmosphere and enjoy this experience like a movie star you can stay at the Donna Camilla Savelli luxury hotel in Rome located in the Trastevere district. Here you can taste every comfort and from where you can start your journey in the footsteps of the past movie stars.
Rome has inspired countless films and continues to inspire filmmakers. Embarking on a journey to discover the most famous movie locations in Rome is a delightful way to merge the magic of cinema with the allure of this ancient Empire.