Rome, the eternal city of thousands of years. Since the inception of the moving picture (i.e., movies), Rome has been the set for countless Hollywood (and other) productions. From historical epics, to modern-day crime dramas, Rome has been the backdrop for some of the movies that have made our generation, as well as those that preceded it. In this article, we will take you on a journey through Rome’s glorious streets, and showcase all the famous locations which served in movies over the past half century. Come with us travellers, as we show you why Rome is such an important city in the world of modern cinematography. Begin with this virtual tour, then book a visit to the Eternal City of your own.
If you do plan to visit the city, and want to be treated like the true celebrity wannabe you are, then we simply must recommend booking an airport taxi to Rome Airport with AtoB Transfer. AtoB airport transfer offers a unique VIP transportation service, fit for Hollywood’s A-list. If you want to feel the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, yet don’t want to burn a hole in your pocketbook, then AtoB is the airport taxi service you need. With a wide range of vehicles, fit to suit every possible travellers unique needs, they stand alone as the sole provider of reliable, affordable and comfortable airport transfers in Rome.
Now, ready, set, ACTION
1. Gladiator (2000)
This epic, starring Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, features Rome prominently. Shot in 1999, the cast and crew made their way to many of Rome’s most-famous historical monuments, in order to ensure that their vision was as historically accurate as possible. We would highly recommend you watch this movie prior to visiting, as it is one of the truest depictions of historical Rome available. It showcases the barbarity of the “entertainment” that was enjoyed by the locals all those thousands of years ago, as well as the weakening position of the Empire. Perhaps the most prominent location in the movie is the Colosseum, which is brought to life once more in Ridley Scott’s epic. When there, you can almost still hear the screams, shouts and excitement that was once felt in those very walls. If you listen especially carefully, you may even hear the roar of tigers and clanging metal swords.
2. Roman Holiday (1953)
A timeless movie starring Audrey Hepburn, who portrays a princess who found love amidst the ancient ruins. The main plot of the movie revolves around the princesses tightly scheduled tour of Europe, and unfolds from there. After being given a sedative, the princess falls asleep on a bench, only to be awaken by an American named Joe, played by the amazing Gregory Peck in his prime. They begin an affair and set the streets on fire with their escapades; from vespa rides to romantic moments in the narrow streets of Rome. Watching this movie prior to visiting is almost like being there in person. With beautiful cinematography that perfectly captures the charm and allure of the city, it is the closest you can get to Rome in the 50s.
3. La Dolce Vita (1960)
To change things up a little, we also wanted to include an Italian classic in our list. This one, by Federico Fellini, one of Italy’s most-renowned directors, takes us on a journey of seven days and nights with the protagonist Macello Rubini, as he discovers la Dolce vita, the “sweet life” of Rome. His attempts to find love and happiness are perfectly captured in a poignant reminder of the fragility and ever-longing nature of the human condition. The film was shot at the Cinecitta Studios in Rome, which is also one of the largest film studios in Europe, with over 400,000 square metres of space. You can book a Rome airport taxi and visit the studio when there and see some of the old sets.
4. Angels & Demons (2009)
Do you remember when Dan Brown was everywhere? His mystery crime thrillers were some of the most-discussed literature of the early 21st century. Angels & Demons, which follows the far more successful “Da Vinci Code”, sees Tom Hanks’ character Robert Langdon travel to Rome, following his escapades in Paris. As the movie’s plot heavily revolves around the secrets of the Catholic church, many scenes needed to be shot inside the Vatican’s buildings. Sadly this wasn’t allowed, as the film is highly critical of the church. Rather, other buildings which resembled them were used. One of the most prominent in Rome, used for the Vatican Library, was the Biblioteca Angelica, which can be easily get by AtoB airport transfer, just adjacent to the church of Sant’Agostino, or within walking distance of Piazza Navona.
Although brief in nature, we hope this article has piqued your interest in the glorious city of Rome. There are countless other movies that have been shot over the years in this city, yet, to write about all of them would require an entire book, rather than just a brief article. From the colosseum where Maximus and Commodus went head to head, to the doppleganger locations for the Vatican used as the backdrop of Robert Langdon’s adventures, Rome is a true movie metropolis. Get the popcorn ready, book your AtoB airport transfer, and prepare to become part of your very own movie in Rome.