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5 iconic movies filmed in Italy

Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 02:55 pm

Our favourite movies have always held a seductive power when it comes to travel inspiration. And Italy, with its sleepy piazzas, striking ancient monuments and romantic rolling countryside is one of the most photogenic locations we can think of. From classics like Roman Holiday to modern favourites like Eat Pray Love, our favourite movies filmed in Italy offer an enticing glimpse of this charismatic country. Discover the locations of these timeless films for yourself by setting out on a journey through Italy with Trafalgar.

A Room with a View

Movies Filmed in Italy

Tucked amidst the Tuscan hills, Florence is a masterpiece of majestic architecture that’s filled with Renaissance art, which is perhaps what inspired the film-makers of A Room with a View. Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, this 1985 British drama tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, played by Helena Bonham Carter, and her travels to Florence in the early 1900s. Visit the resplendent sites this movie is set in, from the 16th century mansion Villa di Maiano, to the world famous Ponte Vecchio and atmospheric Piazza della Signoria, on a trip to Florence with Trafalgar.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Movies Filmed in Italy

From Florence, many travellers are drawn to the charismatic hilltop towns and rolling vineyards of Tuscany. In the 2003 romantic comedy, Under the Tuscan Sun, it’s a sudden turn of events in the life of San Francisco-based writer Frances Mayes that gives her the motivation she needs to travel to Tuscany with her friend. Once she arrives, she impulsively buys a Tuscan villa and begins the process of restoring her new home. Discover the Tuscan countryside and the charisma of the local people for yourself by setting out on your own journey.

La Dolce Vita

Movies Filmed in Italy

With Rome’s staggering abundance of revered art, architecture and Roman ruins, the great capital never fails to impress. In the 1960 Italian comedy-drama La Dolce Vita, magazine journalist Marcello Rubini goes in search of love and happiness in this captivating city. The movie opens as the journalist arrives in Rome by helicopter, flying over the dramatic Saint Peter’s Square. Along with The Vatican and Rome’s most elegant street, Via Veneto, the city’s iconic sites are the majestic settings for the movie’s scenes. Step inside La Dolce Vita‘s movie set by joining a trip to Rome, and beyond, with Trafalgar.

Eat Pray Love

Movies Filmed in Italy

It’s so often the Italian passion for life and mouth-watering cuisine that makes people dream of escaping to Italy. Part-set in Rome, Naples and Tuscany, the 2010 movie Eat Pray Love – based on the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert – follows the journey of Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, as she travels to Italy, India and Bali on her quest for self-discovery. During her time in Italy she is introduced to the delights of Italian food, an experience that is wonderfully easy to replicate on your own gastronomic journey through regional Italian cuisine.

Roman Holiday

Movies Filmed in Italy

The romance of Italy’s ancient cities is undeniable, and this is seen at its best in the classic 1953 romantic comedy Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Princess Ann (played by Hepburn) takes a night off to explore Rome, and in doing so meets the reporter Joe Bradley, sparking a captivating romance that unfolds throughout the film. Visit the sites where this movie’s amorous storyline unfolds, from the Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Pantheon to the Baroque Spanish Steps.

Experience the real-life settings of great movies filmed in Italy with Trafalgar this September by joining the Italian Holiday, Best of Italy, Italian Discovery, Rome and Tuscan Highlights, Best of Italy and Sicily, Southern Italy and Sicily and the Grand Italian Experience itineraries.

Image credits: Cover photo of Rome © iStock / lakovKalinin. Florence © iStock / sborisov. Tuscany © Getty Images. Rome © iStock / franckreporter. Pizza in Italy © iStock / razerbird. Spanish Steps © iStock / Deejpilot.

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