A Cinematic Guide to Rome

The Eternal City has captivated storytellers for millennia; from Ancient Roman historian Livy’s History of Rome to the 2024 remake of Gladiator starring Paul Mescal, Rome remains at the center of the public eye. Whether it is because we are fascinated with the violent history of the gladiators or compelled by the rich religious significance of the city, Rome has been transformed many times into a real-life movie set to entertain audiences worldwide. On your visit to Rome, take some time to visit these places where iconic scenes were filmed and stand amid cinematic history.

Films
1) La Dolce Vita, 1960
Filmed during Rome’s “golden age” of the 1950s and 60s, this iconic film directed by Federico Fellini is perhaps best known for its provocative, romantic scene of the Trevi Fountain. Even those who have not seen the era-defining film may recognize the iconic shot of Swedish actress Anita Ekberg stepping fully clothed into the pearly blue waters of the Trevi for a spontaneous dip with co-star and Italian heartthrob Marcello Mastroianni. While you may be tempted to invoke the carefree, luxurious lifestyle exuded by the film, resist the urge to take a dip in the fountain, unless you want a hefty 450 euro fine as a souvenir. Still, you can admire the intricately carved Oceanus and his horses, shell-shaped chariot, and tritons entirely for free. Pro tip: the best time to visit the Trevi is around 1:00 a.m., when it’s lit up against the night sky and most of the tourists have gone to bed.

2) The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999
Spanning Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, this psychological thriller stars Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow and culminates in a shocking twist of betrayal, lies, and intrigue. If you have not seen this iconic film, it’s a must-watch before making the journey to Rome. Damon visits many iconic spots such as Piazza di Spagna throughout his increasingly intense trip, often with a secret agenda. This exciting film can’t be missed, and neither can the iconic Piazza di Spagna, which gets its name from the Palazzo di Spagna, the Spanish Embassy for the Vatican, at the top of the staircase. Join one of Yellow’s tours to visit this location and other iconic sites in Rome!

3) Gladiator, 2000
While this beloved action film was not actually shot in the Colosseum, it evokes the spirit of the real fights and games that were held in Rome’s most astounding attraction. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix star in the original, and fan-favorites Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in the 2024 remake. Both versions, directed by Ridley Scott, portray the Colosseum and the gladiators that fought bravely in it, oftentimes to the death. We recommend booking tickets to the Colosseum in advance to skip the line and have more time to enjoy the Eternal City and all it has to offer.

4) The Lizzie McGuire Movie, 2003
Many Gen-Z travelers will recall this light-hearted, spirited movie from their childhood. The iconic character Lizzie McGuire journeys to Rome on a class trip and accidentally becomes a pop star and falls in love with a charming Roman boy, Paolo. The pair of young lovers ride a cherry-red Vespa across the city and whizz past many iconic sites, including the Pantheon and Piazza della Repubblica. Hostels like the Yellow are a great way to meet new people when traveling solo, and who knows—maybe you will find love in Rome, too!

5) Eat, Pray, Love, 2010
This film starring Julia Roberts encompasses perhaps the greatest number of sites in Rome on this list. Inspired by the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, the protagonist embarks on a soul-searching journey to Italy, India, and Indonesia in an attempt to reconnect with herself. In Rome, of course she focuses on “Eat.” Follow in her footsteps and sample some of the best gelato in Rome, or slurp down fresh spirals of spaghetti in the city’s most beautiful piazzas. Stroll down Via dell’Orso and try your hand at drinking water from one of the nasone, fountains of free fresh water that flow all over the city, like Liz does.

All of these iconic destinations can be easily reached by foot, bus or metro from YellowSquare Rome’s convenient location near Termini station. Whether you come to Rome to follow in the footsteps of your favorite movie stars or to embark on a life-changing solo journey, you will make plenty of memories worthy of the movies as a guest at the Yellow.

Sources:

https://www.turismoroma.it/it/pagina/la-dolce-vita 

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/italy-rome-tourists-fined-bathing-trevi-fountain.html 

https://almostginger.com/the-talented-mr-ripley-filming-locations/ 

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-was-gladiator-ii-filmed 

https://www.cineguides.com/the-lizzie-mcguire-movie-2003-filming-locations 

https://almostginger.com/eat-pray-love-filming-locations-rome/ 

https://www.rome.net/piazza-di-spagna#:~:text=The%20Piazza%20di%20Spagna%20