It seems that every year, a film is released which has at least some of its scenes shot in Italy. Not surprising perhaps when you consider the beauty and variety that an Italian backdrop offers. Film directors have so much to inspire them and draw from, whether it’s a lakeside setting in the Italian Lakes, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the coastal cliffs of the Amalfi Coast or the parched landscapes of Puglia and Calabria.
So, here’s our round-up of the top 5 towns in Italy which have been used as film locations in recent years (incidentally these are all fantastic films to watch if you also fancy escaping to Italy from the comforts of your living room!) If you’re planning a villa holiday in Italy, then these films and their film sets will definitely get you in the mood! So sit back, relax, have the popcorn at the ready and settle in to enjoy some of our favourite films offering you the perfect opportunity to dream of that next holiday in Italy….
1) Call Me by Your Name (2017), Crema
A dreamy, atmospheric movie about first love, Call Me by Your Name was filmed in Crema, a city in the northern region of Lombardy in Italy. The town is small but is swiftly becoming an upcoming tourist destination. There are many different things to see and do in the town, not least a visit to the Duomo di Crema which is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the centre of the town which boasts beautiful architecture and which is home to some impressive paintings. Another monument in the town which makes a feature in the film is the Arch of Torazzo which due to its magnificent detail is definitely worth a visit. The town is only an hour away from Milan so it is easy to get to from the airport or for a quick visit if you are staying in the city.
2) The Godfather (1972), Savoca
The Godfather must be one of the most evocative films set in Italy and many of the scenes were shot in Savoca. Savoca is a small town situated in the province of Messina in Sicily which is situated on the north east coast of the island. It well deserves its place in the list of the borghi piu belli d’Italia. The medieval town is used in multiple scenes in The Godfather including the famous wedding scene which was filmed here in the church of San Nicolò. If you are a big fan of the movie then you will also recognise the Bar Vitelli which features in the film several times. It is situated in the Piazza Fossia which is the main square in Savoca. Head inside and you will find a number of props used in the movie.
3) No Time to Die (2021), Matera
The Bond franchise has an understandable obsession with Italy and numerous Bond films have been shot here over the years. The Italian Lakes region has certainly featured in the films multiple times. The final scenes of Casino Royale (2006) were filmed at the lakeside Villa La Gaeta in San Siro, for example, whilst earlier scenes were filmed at Villa Balbianello. Two years later, Quantum of Solace featured a dramatic car chase from Malcesine to Riva del Garda on Lake Garda in its opening sequence and a few years earlier in 1995, GoldenEye started with a bang with Pierce Brosnan diving off the Verzasca Dam on beautiful Lake Maggiore.
However, the most recent Bond film headed further south in Italy to Matera. Its dramatic opening sequence and car chase was filmed in the narrow streets of the city. Matera is a fascinating town in southern Italy which holds an incredible amount of history. The town itself is built on the edge of cliffs with the buildings built into caves in the rock. Once home to local residents who lived in abject poverty, these caves have now been turned into museums, restaurants, shops, bars and upmarket hotels.
4) Gladiator (2000), Pienza
Where else could a movie about a Roman gladiator be filmed than in Italy?!! The first scene of Gladiator was actually filmed just outside the walls of Pienza. Pienza is a town in central Italy, home to many 15th century buildings such as the Cathedral (Duomo) and Piccolomini Palace. These were created on the orders of Pope Pius II who wanted to turn the town into a Renaissance utopia. Not surprisingly given its beauty and history, Pienza was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status at the end of the 20th century. Eight years later, the landscape in which it sits – the entire Val d’Orcia – was also included on UNESCO’s list and this is where you will also find the famous wheat fields that featured in the film. The town is situated near the city of Arezzo which is just an hour drive away. It is also just an hour and a half away from Florence.
5) House of Gucci (2021), Italy
A film that is about one of the most famous families in Italy – the Gucci family – can only be set in Italy and this film is nothing short of heaven if you’re looking for some Italian escapism! If you have watched the film, then you may remember the lakeside villa which cam be found on lake Como. Some of the filming also took place in the Italian Alps, just below the range’s second tallest mountain – Monte Rosa – around the towns of Gressoney-la-TrinitĂ© and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. These were used for the scenes supposedly taking place in St Moritz. These towns were picked rather than St Moritz itself since they have not changed dramatically since the 1990s. You’ll also enjoy scenes shot in the main streets of Rome – such as in the Via Condotti – and also at the Villa Necchi-Campiglio in Milan. This is a beautiful 1930s villa that was designed by famous architect Piero Portaluppi. These days, it’s a museum allowing you to explore it for yourselves.
And, of course, when you’re ready to find your very own filmset and make your own Italy holiday memories, then find your perfect Italy villa with Italy villa rental experts, Bookings For You.