There are many movies played in Rome, where the Eternal City plays the role as the main character of one of the most iconic scenes in the history of cinema.
From the cobblestone streets of Campo de’ Fiori to the grandeur of the Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome has long played a starring role on the big screen. This cinematic city has served as the breathtaking backdrop for countless iconic films—Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, Angels & Demons, The Great Beauty and many more.
Whether you’re a film buff or a traveler enthusiastic of art and ruins, Rome offers a real-life movie set that’s as enchanting as its film portrayals. From the iconic arches of Roman Aqueducts, to the legendary signs of Templar knights, discover with us why Rome remains one of the most sought-after filming locations in the world and which are the real sets of one of the most famous movies played in the Eternal City.
Relive the Roman Holidays of Audrey Hepburn
Few movies have captured the romance and charm of Rome quite like Roman Holiday. This timeless classic turned the Eternal City into a global dream destination, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Spanish Steps, the Mouth of Truth, and Piazza Venezia.
As Audrey Hepburn’s runaway princess whirls through the city on a Vespa with Gregory Peck today, you can retrace their steps, visiting the exact filming locations and soaking in the same magical atmosphere. The iconic Spanish Steps is one unmissable place to visit during a vacation in Rome, the perfect real postcard of the Eternal City. Moreover, as Audrey Hepburn, you can try if you tell a lie with your hand inside the Mouth of Truth: doing this funny joke is one of the most famous things to do in Rome.
The glamour of Rome in La Dolce Vita
Federico Fellini with its Oscar winner movie La Dolce Vita didn’t just make cinematic history—it redefined the image of Rome as a place of elegance, intrigue, and timeless beauty. The iconic Trevi Fountain scene with Anita Ekberg in the water is so famous that it still represents the idea of Italy in the world, as well as the buzzing nightlife of Via Veneto, this movie immortalized a glamorous, decadent version of the Eternal City.
Today, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Marcello Mastroianni’s charming journalist, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café in Via Veneto or strolling through historic piazzas at twilight, but they have not to forget that it is forbidden to reply the iconic scene with Anita Ekberg inside the Trevi Fountain. It can instead throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain – right hand over the left shoulder – as a wish to ensure a return to Rome.
The mysteries of Rome in Angels and Demons
For everyone who drawn to intrigue, history, and cinematic suspense, Angels & Demons offers a thrilling way to experience Rome. Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, the movie takes viewers on a fast-paced chase through some of the city’s most iconic and locations: from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.
This Vatican thriller blends ancient symbols with stunning architecture, turning Rome into a labyrinth of clues and conspiracies. Travelers can follow the “Path of Illumination,” uncover hidden corners of the Eternal City, trying to find the symbols – that really exist in Rome – of water, air, earth and fire and relive the action-packed journey of Robert Langdon played by Tom Hanks.
Tasting the magic of Rome in Eat, Pray, Love
Rome in Eat, Pray, Love movie is more than a backdrop—it’s a delicious chapter of self-discovery. As Julia Roberts’ character dives into her Roman Holiday, viewers are swept into a love affair with the Eternal City’s irresistible charm, from cozy trattorias and bustling piazzas to quiet moments with a perfect plate of pasta. The film captures the joy of slowing down and savoring life: one espresso, one bite, and one breathtaking view of one the most beautiful Rome’s monuments.
Travelers inspired by Eat, Pray, Love can follow in Julia Roberts’ footsteps, wandering through Campo de’ Fiori, indulging in gelato near Piazza Navona, and embracing Rome’s timeless beauty with all five senses.
Rome through the poetic lens of The Great Beauty
Few movies capture the soul of Rome quite like The Great Beauty. With its sweeping shots of ancient ruins, baroque palaces, and rooftop terraces at dusk, the Paolo Sorrentino oscar winner movie turns Rome into a place where beauty and melancholy coexist in stunning harmony. Following the reflective journey of Jep Gambardella, viewers are invited to explore a more intimate, introspective side of the Eternal City. From the enchanting gardens of Villa Medici to the secret corners of Aventine Hill and iconic arches of Roman Aqueducts The Great Beauty reveals a Rome that’s both grand and quietly profound and it offers also a powerful invitation to see Rome with different eyes.
Not only movies: the Eternal City as a set of Emily in Rome
Emily in Rome delivered a fresh, playful take on the Eternal City, blending high fashion, romantic adventures, and Instagram-worthy landmarks. The famous original Netflix tv series of the fashion heroine who usually lives in Paris has moved to the Eternal City in the fifth season. Emily played by Lilly Collins explores the city like a modern Audrey Hepburn from dazzling views of the Colosseum to glamorous strolls through Piazza di Spagna and Via dei Condotti.
The series showcases Rome as a stylish, modern-day movie set, a city where every gelato, rooftop aperitivo, and Vespa ride feels like a scene from a romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of travel, fashion, and film, Emily in Rome inspires a new generation to explore Rome not just as a historic capital, but as a vibrant, trendsetting destination full of cinematic charm.