Italy, the world’s natural masterpiece and a work of art sculpted by time, has been a desirable travel destination for many travel enthusiasts for decades.
Every inch of Italy; from the romance of Tuscany to the busy streets of Rome, speaks volumes about art, culture, and unrivaled allure. The fact that movie directors and filmmakers often choose this spellbinding place to bring their stories to life, is not surprising at all.
If you have a vision of discovering Italy, these five movies and TV series are the perfect previews of the most symbolic locations in the country. As you use them to plan your trip, they will help you bring the charm of Italy into your travel itinerary.
Taormina, The White Lotus
The tendency we notice in current streaming wars is to create the best new TV series in amazing locations that give good value to the aesthetics of the production. Taormina, the beautiful little town in Sicily where the second season of “The White Lotus” was filmed, is a brilliant example of this trend.
The series has elegantly revealed Taormina’s magnificent landscapes, placing the town on top of every traveler’s list while visiting Italy. Moreover, viewers of the series can familiarize themselves with a one-of-a-kind five-star experience, luxuriously embodied by the San Domenico Palace, which becomes a centerpiece of the series.
In addition to the series’ irresistible appeal, guests will discover Taormina a mix of luxury and authentic Italian charm, through its old streets, colorful flowers, and closeness to famous landmarks such as Mount Etna. Thanks to “The White Lotus,” Taormina stands out as a scenic escape and a cultural landmark enriched by the series’ influence.
Naples, Eat Pray Love
Naples in Eat Pray Love is a colorful and exotic place that creates inspiration in the main character, played by Julia Roberts, in order to really get to know herself. Additionally, it is an epicenter for any foodie, especially those who love a good pizza. With such history and tradition within the culture of this place, Naples is all about delicious bites.
Representing the “Eat” segment of the transformative journey of Elizabeth Gilbert, the city of Naples, through its highly famous traditional Neapolitan spaghetti and pizza culture and thriving street markets, becomes vital in serving the protagonist soaked in the culinary culture of Italy.
The frames in Naples reflect its dynamic nature, the old buildings, and the happiness that people get from relishing the good, authentic Italian cuisine. This experience allows the viewers to savor the richness of the city and its highly expressive local community.
Tuscany, Under the Tuscan Sun
This movie was adapted from Frances Mayes’ memoirs telling about her life at a certain period when she bought an old countryside house located in the Tuscany region of Italy on impulse.
It is the appearance of rolling hills with vineyards, beautiful Medieval towns with red terracotta roofs, and stunning sunsets over Tuscany that make one think: “I need to go there immediately”!
The film further encapsulates the friendly and cheerful character of the Tuscan people too.
Relationships between Mayes and the locals, ranging from the gregarious shopkeeper to the sage old farmer, nowadays depict a solid community and a reliable place to visit.
To put it differently, “Under the Tuscan Sun” is nothing but a love letter to Tuscany, capturing regional beauty and hospitality, and inspiring the viewers to experience it for themselves.
Florence, Medici: Masters of Florence
The series puts into perspective the grandeur of this Renaissance masterpiece with its elaborate interiors, sky-high bell tower, and sprawling views over Florence. You can get inspired watching one of the most prominent locations in Florence shown in the series, Palazzo Vecchio on your TV screen and wish you could be there to see its grandeur.
Besides this, one also gets to see an iconic place like the Uffizi Gallery in the series, which brings out the importance of a collection of pieces by famous artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci in the museum.
The beauty of the Arno River, which passes through the heart of Florence is also shown in the series. The sight of the Arno River on the screen can be a source of calmness and lead the viewers to picture themselves walking along its banks.
Corleone, The Godfather
For fans of the remarkable “The Godfather” trilogy, a trip to Corleone is an absolute necessity. Because of the film’s representation of the town, it garnered international fame and recognition.
The movie’s interpretation of Corleone as the birthplace of the Corleone crime family gave it a mysterious quality and thus attracted tourists from all over the globe. The film’s success propelled Corleone onto the map, which was previously a relatively unknown town, making it a flourishing tourist spot as we know it today.
Corleone is a stunning place from its historic town square to winding streets at every turn. Discover the places in which memorable scenes were shot, interact with local cultures, and savor true Sicilian living. If you are a fan of this cult classic, then being here would only make your Italy tour better!
Conclusion
Enchanting destinations like Italy are often romanticized in movies and shows because of their natural beauty and the picturesque backdrop they provide to the story. But well, that’s the magic of cinema as it creates a longing for people to transport into those same locations, turning what was once just a dream into a real-life adventure.
Featured image: Pexels
Contributing author to Weird Italy, , a site focused on exploring the distinctive and unconventional facets of Italian culture, history, and modern life.