Have you ever wanted to experience Florence, Italy, like Lucy Honeychurch in the Merchant Ivory period classic A Room with a View? Experience the joys of sightseeing in Venice, like Katharine Hepburn in Summertime or Charles Ryder in Brideshead Revisited. Or travel to the historic landmarks of Rome like Princess Ann in Roman Holiday?
Ever since I first watched A Room with a View, I have been fascinated by the Romanticism of Florence (Firenze) and dreamt of going to Italy one day. I’ve longed to stroll Florence’s cobblestone streets and immerse myself in the art and history, to feel the magic of Rome and the romance of Venice.
Recently, I finally got to go with my sister Amber and our parents. While I didn’t expect a swoony romance with a George Emerson type, I did want to experience Italy like a character in a novel, classic cinema, and romantic period dramas.
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So, as a cinephile who loves visiting filming locations (as it helps moments feel more Romantic), I wanted to share some memorable places from my favorite period dramas and romantic classics with all of you—all locations inspired by my recent trip to Italy, where yes, I did get to experience the magic—although not quite as romantically as a heroine in a novel. But close enough…
Here are some of my favorite movies filmed in Italy from my recent trip:
Romantic Travel in Italy – Experience Florence, Venice, and Rome Like a Classic Heroine
Florence, Italy
A Room with a View (1985) Filming Locations
Hotel Degli Orafi
If you want the best possible authentic experience of the classic period drama, you can stay at Hotel Degli Orafi in the same room used in the film (the hotel’s name is fictional).
The hotel even calls it the “Room with a View.” The website describes it as “a splendid room on the 4th floor (n. 414), with a magnificent terrace offering a unique view over the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio.”
Here, the hotel invites visitors “to relive those fascinating, romantic moments and the perfume of a bygone era, wonderfully described by E.M. Forster, author of the novel which inspired the famous film.”
While I didn’t stay in this room or the hotel, I walked into the Florence City Center, where Lucy Honeychurch walked. As I wandered her same paths, I was easily swept into a slower, more romantic pace.
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I bought a bookmark made by an artist, ate at delicious restaurants, and enjoyed the scenery, churches, and museums. Despite the heavy crowds around me, every step felt like walking into another era. And the scenery and art are just as beautiful as the film. Florence is the location for travelers who appreciate culture.
Here are some beautiful locations and places to see if you want to travel like Lucy Honeychurch:
Piazza Della Signoria
Piazza Della Signoria is Florence’s main city square, where you will find the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the famous Neptune Fountain, where Lucy sees a man get stabbed.
The Loggia dei Lanzi
In the film, Lucy sits on the steps of the Loggia dei Lanzi, which adjoins the Uffizi Gallery. There are also fantastic sculptures, including the Medici lions, to view here.
Arno River
Throughout A Room with a View, you see gorgeous shots of the River Arno. To experience the beauty of the river for myself, I took a long walk alongside the river as I walked to my hotel instead of taking public transportation. I paused more than once with my family to stare out across the sun-glinted river and appreciate the stillness. Unfortunately, no George Emerson popped up around the corner!
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I stayed at the affordable and idyllic Hotel David. I highly recommend it to all visitors looking for a great place to stay and who don’t mind a 15-minute walk into the Florence City Center. It was perfect, quiet (away from the hustle and bustle), and idyllic. Staying at Hotel David reminds me of period dramas where a young woman pays for room and board and has a lovely breakfast daily.
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. This square in Florence is seen when Charlotte goes on a tour with novelist Eleanor Lavish. The Piazza is named after the Annunziata church at the square’s head. Here, you will find the bronze Equestrian statue of Ferdinando I and the Fontana dei mostri marini, completed by the Late Renaissance sculptor Pietro Tacca.
Basilica di Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce is a famous medieval church in Florence that Lucy visits in the film.
Fiesole
Fiesole, a nearby small town, is where George Emerson surprises Lucy with a passionate kiss! You must visit Fattoria di Maiano, a villa with beautiful gardens and views, to get to the exact location. It is open to visitors.
I also recommend going to the Accademia Gallery to see gorgeous art (such as The David) and get into the spirit of Florence.
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Other period dramas and classic films filmed in Florence include A Room with a View (2007), Tea with Mussolini, A Portrait of a Lady, and Medici: Masters of Florence, which features the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower.
Rome, Italy
Roman Holiday Filming Locations
Many movies are filmed in Rome, but the one classic romance that always stands out is Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Like Princess Ann, you can have your own holiday in Rome and visit some of the famous historical sites from the movie.
Sometimes, it’s okay to travel like a tourist! There’s some fun in pretending, even if only for a day, that you’re Audrey Hepburn (as a princess) incognito, hoping for adventure and bites of gelato (which I had many!).
Check out some of the Roman landmarks featured in iconic scenes from Roman Holiday:
The Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth is an ancient Roman marble mask in Rome, Italy, featured in the film when Gregory Peck’s character, Joe, tells Princess Ann about the legend of The Mouth of Truth. He claims that if a liar puts his hand in his mouth, it will be bitten off! Naturally, he sticks his hand in and pretends to be attacked.
This is a fun scene showcasing the chemistry between Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Make sure to test it for yourself!
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Colosseum and Roman Forum. These two iconic historic places are often used as a backdrop in Roman Holiday and are inspiring to see in person. I recommend a night view.
The Spanish Steps
Joe meets Ann on the Spanish steps and convinces her to spend the day with him. When you travel to Rome, you’ll want to walk up the steps to see a beautiful view. And don’t miss the famous Babington’s Tea Room, right at the bottom of the steps.
Via Margutta
Via Margutta: Over the centuries, Via Margutta, a beautiful street in Rome, has been a gathering place for artists. It is located near the Spanish Steps. This area is famous for featuring Gregory Peck’s apartment in the film. Today, you can visit art galleries, eat local food, and shop at antique stores.
Trevi Fountain
While much more crowded these days, Trevi Fountain is iconic for a reason, and you don’t want to miss it! Throw a coin into the fountain before leaving “The Eternal City.” Hold on to your belongings and watch out for pickpockets (and go early!). Still, despite the crowds, when I tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain, I felt like I was in a movie.
In Rome, you’ll also want to visit the Vatican Museums (including the Sistene Chapel), the Pantheon, and have amazing food, of course! And to see where many of the classic movies were filmed, you’ll need to visit the Cinecittà Studios.
Other period dramas and classic films that were filmed in Rome include Ben-Hur (1959), Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone (1961), and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015).
Venice, Italy
Summertime (1955) Filming Locations
Summertime (1955), starring Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi, is a romance about a spinster American tourist and a married Venetian shop owner. David Lean, the director of Summertime, captures the heart of Venice by immersing Jane Hudson (Katharine Hepburn) in the city by going on the trip of a lifetime.
What’s terrific about Summertime is that it was entirely filmed on location in Venice. Even more amazing, Venice still looks the same 70 years later. The echoes of cinematic romance and film history are everywhere here.
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You can easily walk where Katharine Hepburn walked and stand where she stood. But you’ll also want to explore on your own. Venice is not a vast city; you’ll discover something new and interesting in every nook and cranny you explore!
But to get you started, here are some Summertime Venice locations:
Santa Lucia train station
Santa Lucia train station. Here, Katharine Hepburn tries to leave the station by water taxi, but there are several tourists to push past. The water taxis are still going strong today. You’ll need to take a water taxi to get to your hotel. Be prepared to slightly panic as you’re squished in like sardines.
Pensione Accademia—Villa Maravege
Many of the filmmakers of Summertime stayed at Pensione Accademia—Villa Maravege, which may have influenced the hotel Katharine Hepburn stays at in the film. I stopped by, and it seems like a great place to stay in Venice! There is no real hotel in the movie.
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza di San Marco)
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza di San Marco): What is Venice without St. Mark’s Square? This is the main square of Venice, and it is here that Jane Hudson meets Renato De Rossi. You will find St Mark’s Basilica, see Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Clock BellTower, eat at a famous cafe like Caffe Florian, and more.
Campo San Barnaba
Campo San Barnaba: Campo San Barnaba is a square in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. In Summertime, this is the famous location where Katharine Hepburn falls into the canal. Although this is a lesser-known part of Venice, it’s worth visiting just as much!
Fun fact: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed here, using the church as a fictional library.
Bridge of Sighs
“I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; a palace and a prison on each hand.” – Lord Byron.
Interestingly enough, Lord Byron gave the Bridge of Sighs its name. Summertime (1955) naturally had to highlight this famous Venetian landmark.
Brideshead Revisited (1981) Venice Filming Locations
Brideshead Revisited is considered one of the best book adaptations of all time. The cast, sets, production design, costumes, and script are phenomenal. In one part of the story, Charles Ryder goes to Venice with Sebastian, a romantic friend, and they do some sightseeing.
Some notable scenes and historical places in Venice include:
The Palazzi Barbaro
The Palazzi Barbaro: Palazzo Barbaro and Palazzo Barbaro-Curtis are a pair of adjoining palaces used as a filming location in Brideshead Revisited as the home of Lord Marchmain (Laurence Olivier) and his mistress. It’s an absolutely stunning place to visit.
Caffe Florian
Caffe Florian is the oldest Italian coffeehouse still standing. It was featured in Brideshead Revisited and is a fantastic spot to sit and people-watch.
Gondola Ride – The Canals of Venice
Gondola Ride: In Brideshead Revisited, Charles and Sebastian take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. In the films, it’s romantic. In real life, I had a grumpy gondolier who yelled at me while I was being rained on. He even got into an argument with a fellow gondolier. We all laughed awkwardly and were completely soaked, but we still had fun.
Nevertheless, it’s still worth your time to experience a gondola ride like many characters have done in movies and period dramas.
Other period dramas and romantic classics to film on location in Venice include The Wings of the Dove, Brideshead Revisited (2008), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Casanova (2005 – not the David Tennant one), Effie Gray, A Haunting in Venice (2023), The Honey Pot aka Mr. Fox of Venice (1967), and Othello (1955).
Florence, Rome, and Venice – A Journey Into Cinematic History
For me, traveling through Italy felt like slipping into the pages of a classic novel, onto the screen of a classic film, or even onto my television screen. It’s fun to experience Italy partly as a tourist and partly as a local (we also got to meet some Italian relatives for the first time who showed us around and brought us to the BEST pizza place I’ve ever been to), but also partly as an imagined character – just for the fun and romance of it.
If you’re like me, you’ll want to experience these timeless classics by traveling to iconic Italian landmarks and filming locations. From the grandeur of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient ruins of Rome, these historic cities offer a living backdrop that transports you back in time.
For literary enthusiasts and film lovers, Florence, Rome, and Venice are journeys into cinematic history and real-world beauty.
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Image Sources:
- Brideshead Revisited Poster: Granada Television