There is just one factor extra stunning than strolling by way of Rome.
Strolling by way of Rome understanding that, proper there, in that actual spot, a number of the most celebrated actors and administrators in historical past created artwork and filmed iconic scenes, leaving us with gorgeous films which have spanned generations.
To take action, they selected a unprecedented movie set: the Everlasting Metropolis, with its wealthy historical past, magnificent monuments and fountains, cobblestone streets, and unmistakable scents coming from the eating places, bars, and quite a few venues within the metropolis that supply the greatest Italian meals.
I wish to take you on a one-day itinerary by way of a number of the most stunning and interesting spots within the metropolis, which had been additionally rigorously chosen by filmmakers and cinematographers for his or her films.
Should you’ve had the prospect to go to Rome, you’ll perceive why they made that alternative. Should you haven’t been but, what higher approach to make you wish to go much more?
Soar to a bit of this text
The Greatest Films Set in Rome
Roman Vacation
We depart from Trinita dei Monti, the gorgeous Sixteenth-century church that overlooks the sq. of Piazza di Spagna from the highest of Rome’s most well-known staircase.
From up right here, we are able to take pleasure in a panoramic panoramic view of the town earlier than descending one of many world’s most well-known staircases: the Spanish Steps.
These 135 steps, constructed within the 18th century, have turn into an emblem of Rome, attracting artists, poets, and vacationers from all around the world.
That is the place our journey begins, not solely as a result of it’s one of many locations that greatest represents Rome, but additionally as a result of the primary movie I wish to point out is maybe the one which showcases the town probably the most, and in probably the most romantic approach attainable: Roman Vacation (1953).
This traditional follows the enchanting love story between Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), a younger royal escaping her duties for a day of freedom, and Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), an American journalist who takes her on an unforgettable tour of Rome.
By means of their adventures, we see the Everlasting Metropolis in all its splendor. The picture of Princess Ann having fun with a scrumptious gelato whereas sitting on the Spanish Steps, underneath the lovestruck gaze of Joe, is, to me, probably the most stunning approach to present Rome to the world.
La Dolce Vita
Let’s seize a gelato from one of many many gelaterias close by and stroll over to the Trevi Fountain, only a 10-minute stroll away.
One in every of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, this gorgeous Baroque fountain designed by Niccolo Salvi and accomplished in 1762, gained much more fame because of La Dolce Vita (1960).
On this movie, Anita Ekberg famously wades into the fountain, inviting Marcello Mastroianni to affix her within the water, creating one of the unforgettable scenes in cinema historical past.
You received’t be capable of take a dip like Anita, however you possibly can throw a coin into the fountain, guaranteeing, in keeping with custom, that you just’ll return to Rome. And in case you throw two cash, legend says you’ll additionally discover love.
The Proficient Mr Ripley
Let’s proceed our stroll towards the following cease on our itinerary. From By way of delle Muratte, flip left, however wait, right here’s the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
It’s positively value a go to due to its gorgeous Baroque structure and the unimaginable illusionistic frescoes on the ceiling, which make the church seem a lot taller than it truly is.
Probably the most well-known work is the Assumption of The Virgin by Andrea Pozzo, which creates a panoramic visible impact.
Let’s proceed our stroll alongside By way of del Seminario, and right here we should cease as soon as once more, as we’ve discovered ourselves in entrance of the Pantheon.
This iconic constructing is among the best-preserved historic Roman monuments, well-known for its huge domed roof, which was an engineering marvel of its time.
Initially constructed as a temple for all Roman gods, the Pantheon has been in steady use for almost 2,000 years and now serves as a church.
After taking a couple of pictures, we lastly head in the direction of Piazza Navona, one of the stunning and vibrant squares in Rome, and our subsequent cease.
Well-known for its gorgeous Fountain of The 4 Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, its Baroque structure, and energetic ambiance, Piazza Navona is a beloved spot for each locals and guests.
Each time I stroll by way of the sq. and see individuals sitting on the out of doors cafés, I’m reminded of a scene from this film: The Proficient Mr. Ripley (1999).
Primarily based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, the movie stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a intelligent however harmful younger man who lies and deceives his approach into the lifetime of Dickie Greenleaf (performed by Jude Legislation), a rich and carefree younger man dwelling in Italy.
Within the scene shot in Piazza Navona, Dickie and Tom are sitting at an out of doors café, having fun with their espresso, when Philip Seymour Hoffman, portraying the conceited and privileged Freddie Miles, arrives in his automotive.
Freddie’s dramatic entrance highlights his sense of entitlement and overbearing character. As he approaches, a tense confrontation ensues between him and Dickie, deepening the underlying tensions and rivalries between the characters.
These days, you possibly can’t drive into Piazza Navona, and to be sincere, I’d additionally advocate having your espresso exterior the sq., as bars close by typically serve higher espresso at decrease costs.
That stated, you possibly can stroll by way of the sq. and admire the attractive fountains which have just lately been renovated.
Eat Pray Love
We’ve walked sufficient for now, and it could be time for lunch. What higher alternative to cease and revel in a meal at a standard Roman restaurant?
We’re fortunate. Simply across the nook, in Largo Febo, there’s Santa Lucia Restaurant, one of many locations chosen by Julia Roberts within the movie Eat Pray Love (2010).
On this film, based mostly on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Julia Roberts’ character, Liz Gilbert, embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery after a divorce.
Throughout her time in Rome, she enjoys the straightforward pleasures of life. One of the crucial memorable scenes is when Liz relishes a dish of pasta, a symbolic second of embracing Italy’s magnificence, its tradition, and, after all, its unimaginable meals.
Angels & Demons
Refueled? Then let’s proceed our tour! Let’s take the gorgeous By way of dei Coronari, one of the charming streets in Rome, well-known for its vintage outlets and timeless ambiance, as soon as a key route for pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica.
From there, we’ll cross the enduring Ponte Sant’Angelo, a bridge adorned with magnificent statues of angels, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini within the seventeenth century, that results in the majestic Castel Sant’Angelo.
Every angel on the bridge holds an instrument of Christ’s Ardour, including a deep non secular that means to this already breathtaking landmark.
Castel Sant’Angelo is now a museum, nevertheless it was initially constructed as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum within the 2nd century AD and later grew to become a fortress, papal residence, and jail.
Have you ever already guessed which film I’m about to say? Sure, it’s Angels & Demons.
This 2009 thriller, directed by Ron Howard and based mostly on Dan Brown’s novel, follows Robert Langdon (performed by Tom Hanks) as he races in opposition to time to cease a lethal conspiracy threatening the Vatican.
The movie takes viewers on a gripping journey by way of Rome’s most well-known landmarks, together with Ponte Sant’Angelo and Castel Sant’Angelo, which play a vital position within the story.
In one of many film’s most intense sequences, Langdon discovers that Castel Sant’Angelo hides a secret passage main on to the Vatican, a route traditionally utilized by popes in occasions of hazard.
The fortress’s enigmatic ambiance and wealthy historical past make it a great backdrop for this gripping story of religion, science, and thriller.
To Rome With Love
In Rome, the sacred and the profane consistently intertwine, and a customer’s visible urge for food is at all times glad, regardless of their style.
Over the centuries, numerous artists have described, narrated, painted, or sculpted the town, capturing its essence of their works.
In more moderen occasions, one other legendary director selected Rome because the backdrop for a complete movie, a lighthearted but entertaining comedy, crafted in his signature model.
I’m speaking about Woody Allen, who set a lot of To Rome with Love in Trastevere, one of many metropolis’s most charming and energetic neighborhoods.
This 2012 movie weaves collectively a number of tales of affection, ambition, and sudden encounters, all set in opposition to the backdrop of the Everlasting Metropolis’s magnificence.
Allen took full benefit of Trastevere’s distinctive ambiance, its slender cobblestone streets, historic buildings, energetic piazzas, and bohemian attraction to create a movie that feels each timeless and unmistakably Roman.
To achieve Trastevere, in case you’re not too drained, you may take pleasure in a 20-minute stroll and go by way of By way of Giulia, one of many metropolis’s most stunning historic streets.
Constructed through the Renaissance, it was designed by Donato Bramante and is understood for its elegant palaces, hidden courtyards, and gorgeous Baroque particulars, making it an ideal path to soak in Rome’s magnificence in your approach to Trastevere.
We may wrap up our day right here, maybe with an aperitif or dinner at one of many many unbelievable eating places within the space (truthfully, you’ll be spoiled for alternative), however we’re unstoppable, so let’s make one other cease on this lengthy however memorable day.
La Grande Bellezza (The Nice Magnificence)
The Janiculum Hill isn’t technically one of many seven hills of Rome, nevertheless it gives one of the best panoramic view of the town.
If we’re there round sundown, it’s the proper time to absorb the great thing about Rome because the golden gentle bathes the town, making it a very unforgettable second.
It’s a neighborhood custom, particularly among the many youthful crowd, to come back right here with a date. That is the place they go to impress their companion with one of the stunning views in Rome.
On the high, you’ll discover the Fontanone, a monumental fountain constructed within the seventeenth century, designed by Giovanni Fontana. The majestic fountain isn’t solely a bit of artwork, but additionally an emblem of the town’s water system and its connection to the encompassing hills.
It was right here on the Fontanone that Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, winner of the Academy Award for Greatest Overseas Language Movie, shot one of the memorable scenes of his masterpiece, La Grande Bellezza (The Nice Magnificence).
The movie, which received the Oscar in 2014, follows Jep Gambardella, a journalist and former novelist, as he displays on his life amidst the sweetness, decadence, and complexities of Rome.
The movie completely captures the distinction between timeless magnificence and the fleeting nature of life, and the scene shot at Gianicolo emphasizes the town’s grandeur, echoing the themes of nostalgia, youth, and the passage of time.
Gladiator
Our day is coming to an finish, however the cinematic journey by way of the town may proceed for for much longer. How may I overlook? I missed the Colosseum. That’s true, the Colosseum is the image of Rome, and that’s why I saved it for final.
Probably the most well-known historic amphitheater on the planet, constructed within the 1st century AD, was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and different occasions.
It’s one of many best architectural and engineering feats of historic Rome and stays one of many metropolis’s most iconic landmarks.
It has been the setting for a lot of movies, together with Gladiator (2000), the place it performs a central position. On this epic movie, starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, the Colosseum is depicted because the place the place gladiators combat to the demise.
Nevertheless, a lot of the Colosseum within the movie was recreated utilizing CGI (computer-generated imagery), because it was filmed on units designed to copy the world’s grandeur.
Cinecitta Studios
The worldwide and Italian movie industries have actually discovered a house in Rome, and the variety of movies shot right here is numerous.
The connection between Rome and cinema can be evident in the truth that the Cinecitta Studios are in Rome. Cinecitta is among the most well-known movie studios on the planet, also known as Hollywood on The Tiber.
Based in 1937, it has been the birthplace of many iconic movies, each Italian and worldwide. It has hosted productions like Ben-Hur, Gangs of New York, and Rome (the HBO sequence).
The studios have performed a significant position in shaping the historical past of cinema, and right this moment, they continue to be a key location for filmmakers trying to create epic productions.
Cinecitta additionally has a museum, the place guests can discover the historical past of cinema and see units and reveals from a number of the most well-known movies ever made.
Now that you could go to Rome by way of the eyes of a director, you possibly can take pleasure in it much more.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s captivated with journey and storytelling, a mix that makes her best for her position as our content material supervisor.
