Discover the Filming Locations of Tuscany in Films and TV Shows
Tuscany, Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns and cities, and rich cultural heritage. It’s no surprise, then, that Tuscany has served as the setting for numerous famous films and television shows over the years. From “Under the Tuscan Sun” to “Call Me by Your Name,” Tuscany has appeared in some of the most memorable films and television shows of all time.
Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, historical dramas, or epic adventure films, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love.
Here are a few examples of famous movies and TV shows that were filmed in Tuscany:
“Gladiator”, 2000
This epic historical drama set in ancient Rome and filmed in several locations in Tuscany, including San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza, was released in 2000. Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed and Djimon Hounsou.
“Under the Tuscan Sun”, 2003
This romantic comedy, released in 2003, was set in the region of Tuscany and filmed in the towns of Cortona and Montepulciano. Starring Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan and Raoul Bova.
“The English Patient”, 1996
“The English Patient”: This Academy Award-winning 1996 film, set in Tuscany, was shot in several locations throughout the region, including Pienza and Arezzo. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas, Naveen Andrews, Colin Firth, Julian Wadham, Jürgen Prochnow.
“A Room with a View”, 1985
This classic British film, released in 1985, was set in and around Florence and was shot in several Tuscany locations, including Fiesole, San Gimignano, and the Val d’Orcia. Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliott, Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench and Simon Callow.
“Life is Beautiful”, 1997
“Life Is Beautiful” is a 1997 Italian comedy drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. The film tells the story of Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner who uses his imagination to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp.
It received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $230 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing non-English language films of all time. It won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, nine David di Donatello Awards, five Nastro d’Argento Awards in Italy, two European Film Awards, and three Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Benigni.
Filming locations include including Cortona and Montevarchi in the Arezzo province.
“The Medici”, 2016-2019
“Medici” is a historical drama television series about the Medici family, a wealthy banking family during the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. The series follows the family’s political and artistic endeavors and is split into three seasons. “Medici” was filmed in several locations in Tuscany, including the city of Florence and the town of Siena. Starring Richard Madden, Daniel Sharman and Dustin Hoffman.
“The Great Beauty” (La grande bellezza), 2013
This Academy Award-winning film, released in 2013, tells the story of Jep Gambardella, a 65-year-old Rome journalist and theater critic known for his socialite lifestyle. Some scenes were filmed in Tuscany, including Isola del Giglio, Grosseto. Starring Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli.
“Pinocchio”, 2022
This 2022 live-action musical fantasy film was directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1940 Disney animated film and the 1883 Italian book “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi. It stars Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo, Giuseppe Battiston, and Luke Evans, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, and Lorraine Bracco in voice roles. Some scenes were filmed at Locanda della Fratta, Sinalunga, which is only 5 minutes away from our hotel.
“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”, 2009
After scouting more than a dozen potential filming locations in Volterra, Italy, the scouting team chose the town of Montepulciano for some of the film’s final scenes. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Anna Kendrick, Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning.
“6 Underground”, 2019
6 Underground is an action thriller film about a group of people who fake their deaths and form a vigilante team to overthrow a dictator. The film was directed by Michael Bay and stars Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Adria Arjona, Corey Hawkins, Ben Hardy and Dave Franco. Some scenes were filmed in the city of Florence.
“Only You”, 1994
Only You is a romantic comedy film about Faith, a young woman who becomes convinced that her soulmate is a man named Damon Bradley after playing with a Ouija board as a child. Starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.
Filming locations include the hill town of San Gimignano in the province of Siena.
“Quantum of Solace”, 2008
“Quantum of Solace” is a 2008 spy film and the twenty-second in the James Bond series. It is a sequel to “Casino Royale” and Daniel Craig reprises his role as James Bond. It received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, grossing over $589 million worldwide and ranking fourth among James Bond films.
Filming locations include the Piazza del Campo in the City of Siena, Maremma, Grosetto and Massa-Carrara.
“Master of None”, Season 2, 2017
Master of None is a comedy-drama television series that was released on Netflix in 2015. The series was created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, and followed the life of Dev Shah (played by Aziz Ansari), a struggling actor living in New York City. It has received a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 91 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating universal acclaim.
Filming locations for season 2 include the hill town of Pienza and the Borgo Stomennano villa for the wedding scenes.
“Fullmetal Alchemist”, 2017
Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese science fantasy action film based on the same-named manga series. It tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are alchemists attempting to restore their bodies after a failed attempt at human transmutation. Filming locations include the town of Volterra.
“Made in Italy”, 2020
Made in Italy is a 2020 film about an artist, Jack Foster, who travels to Italy with his estranged father, Robert, to sell an old family villa in Tuscany. Starring Liam Neeson, Micheál Richardson, Valeria Bilello and Lindsay Duncan.
Filming locations include the town of Montalcino.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many well-known films and television shows that have been shot in Tuscany, Italy.
Tuscany’s popularity as a filming location demonstrates the region’s enduring appeal. Tuscany has something for every type of film, from its picturesque villages and charming towns to its breathtaking natural beauty.
Its rich cultural history and stunning architecture make it an ideal setting for any story. Whether you prefer classic or modern blockbusters, Tuscany has appeared in some of the most iconic films of all time.