Rome’s architecture and picturesque streets have made it a popular choice among Producers looking to inject some European flair into their film locations.

1. Roman Holiday (1953)

What’s a list of famous film locations in Rome that doesn’t include Roman Holiday? The iconic film is widely credited with the boom in American tourism to Italy. It’s also the film that launched Audrey Hepburn’s career as the undercover princess who spends the day gallavanting with a journalist, played by Gregory Peck. The home of Peck’s character at Via Margutta 51 is still tucked away on the charming street in a quite courtyard. Some of the other notable locations include the Bocca della Verità, where tourists still line up to stick their hand in the stone face’s mouth. The probably most iconic scene from the film, however, is a happy-go-lucky Hepburn enjoying some refreshing gelato while taking a break on the Spanish Steps. Visiting Piazza Spagna where the Spanish Steps are located today, you’ll find plenty of visitors recreating their own Roman Holiday at the same iconic spot.

2. Ben Hur (1959)

Visitors can walk the studios that once hosted the sets for the historical drama of Ben-Hur. Cinecittà is the large film complex in Europe, built on the outskirts of Rome in 1932. Visitors can still visit some of the original sets used from the 1959 film at Cinecittà World, a TV and Film themed park located south of Rome. For more information about visiting the studios, visit the Cinecittà official website.

*Cinacittà studios are very easily accessible today by taking the Metro A toward Anagnina and getting off at the “Cinecittà” stop.

3. La Dolce Vita (1960)

The romantic drama that followed Marcello Mastroianni around Rome in search of love is full of iconic scenes. The 1960 film brought the charming, vintage scenes of daily Roman life to the silver screen for audiences all over the world. The most famous scene, however, shows a stunningly elengant Anita Ekberg splashing around in the large pool of the Trevi Fountain before Mastroianni finally grabs her for a passionate kiss under the falls. While it’s totally forbidden to enter the fountain at any time of day (which is strictly enforced by guards), visiting the site of this magical scene is a must for any film buff.  Not to mention the Trevi Fountain was recently restored to it’s original splendor thanks to a hefty sponsorship from the Fendi fashion brand.

4. The Great Beauty (2013)

A recent film that brought the mysterious beauty and allure of Rome to the spotlight was The Great Beauty, an Academy Award winning film by Napolitan filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino. The film centers around an aging socialite who encounters other characters that cause him to reflect on his life and his own sense of fulfillment. Beyond the thought-provoking storyline, the filming technique and locations used in the film shed a new light on the Eternal City, often unshrouding the interiors of spaces often closed off to the public, like in Piazza Navona. One location not closed off to the public, however, is a scene shot in the famous Parco degli Acquedotti, a lovely outdoor park named after the massive brick structures that centuries ago brought water to the Metropolis of Rome.

In the film a Marina Abramović-inspired artist is holding a performance in the park and literally throws her body against the acquaduct ruins. It’s an intense moment in the film that doesn’t exhibit much suspense throughout, but it’s a moment of tension. The park, in any case, is a peaceful, open space and makes for a great location for breathing some fresh air for a bit and escape the city.

*The Parco degli Acquedotti is easily accessible today by taking the Metro A toward Anagnina and getting off at the “Giulio Agricola” stop.

5. Spectre (2015)

The Bond thriller Spectre featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond brought more attention to Rome for a new audience. Palatial, elegant interiors replaced the characteristic street scenes that were highlighted as in other films on our list, but one outdoor scene leaves a particularly lasting impression. A highly suspenseful car chase scene sees Daniel Craig in an iconic Aston Martin escaping a villain in a Jaguar along the concrete embankments that flank the Tiber river. The embankments, built in the second half of the 19th century, keep the areas lining the river from flooding – which was a constant issue throughout the seasons in Rome. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll experience a car chase on these embankments, there is a walking path along the river, accessible by stairs from the street. On warmer days, the path near the river is guaranteed a few degrees cooler which makes longer walks from point A to point B a bit more pleasant.

This list is of course not exhaustive but just five of our favorite movie locations in Rome. Share with us your favorite location in the comments below!

Accommodation in Rome

Looking for a place to stay near your favorite movie location in Rome? ROMAC offers a large portfolio of properties all over the city’s historical center, with easy filter and searches to find the perfect vacation home in Rome!

Did we miss your favorite film location from Rome? Share your suggestions in the comments below!