Are you planning on visiting Rome soon for the first time? To get you started and discover the best way to enjoy your experience, here are some films, novels, series, and movies set in the Eternal City. These will give you plenty of Rome travel inspiration by featuring its history, atmosphere, and landmarks at the center of their stories. From the Pantheon to the Vatican Museums, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of locals and discover prime locations to visit under the Roman sun.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes!
🍿
Movies Set
or Filmed in
Rome
Conclave
In this political thriller inspired by Robert Harris’s novel, a cardinal oversees the election of a new pope. Tensions and spiritual stakes intertwine within the Vatican, unfolding directly beneath Michelangelo’s incredible artwork like the Sistine Chapel. It’s a gripping look at the people and power within this sacred place, ideal for visitors curious about its inner workings.
Only You
This cult romantic comedy, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei, follows a woman’s quest for her soulmate. Her passionate exploration of Rome’s charming streets offers panoramic views between Trastevere, the Colosseum, and Ponte Fabricio. It’s a delightful first-time glimpse into the city, showcasing locals and a great experience in Rome.
La Dolce Vita
Fellini’s masterpiece is an iconic film that portrays 1960s Rome high society, notably with the legendary Trevi Fountain scene. It’s a timeless classic capturing the essence of Roman glamour, perfect for visitors seeking a great tour of this historical place. The film brilliantly encapsulates the vibrant people and unique atmosphere of the Eternal City.
Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck star in this cult film as an unforgettable duo on a carefree Roman escapade. The movie offers a romantic tour through mythical places like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Bocca della Verità, and the Spanish Steps.
Angels & Demons
A thriller based on Dan Brown’s novel, starring Tom Hanks, it was filmed in iconic locations across Rome and the Vatican. You’ll see the Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon, among other key sites. It’s an exciting way for visitors to spot these famous churches and museums.
To Rome with Love
Woody Allen weaves multiple narratives in a charming, contemporary Rome. It’s an ode to modern dolce vita, with scenes filmed in mythical places like Campo de’ Fiori and the Baths of Caracalla.
Gladiator
Ridley Scott’s epic, Oscar-winning film plunges into ancient Rome’s splendor. It features impressive scenes, including a striking Colosseum recreation and glimpses of the Roman Forum. This powerful movie provides visitors a visceral experience in Rome, showcasing the grandeur of its historical sites and people.
Eat Pray Love
The journalist protagonist discovers culinary delights in Roman trattorias, embracing the language and farniente, including delicious pasta in Italy. Visitors can see filming locations like the vibrant Piazza Navona, charming streets near the Pantheon, and bustling Campo de’ Fiori, offering insights into locals’ lives and the best way to enjoy Roman food.
When in Rome
During a trip to Rome, a young New Yorker disillusioned with love steals coins from a magical fountain, triggering whimsical romantic situations. This lighthearted comedy starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel provides a fun portrayal of a spontaneous day in Rome for first-time visitors. It highlights the charming side of the city as a romantic place.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Directed by Anthony Minghella, this film delves into an ambitious young man’s life as he infiltrates Italian high society, leading to crime. Partially filmed in Rome, you’ll spot prime locations like Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna (near the Spanish Steps), and the Grand Hotel Plaza.
🎶
Italian
Music
Mina
Mina, the unrivaled queen of Italian pop, is an iconic vocalist and a symbol of style and rebellion. With her powerful voice and bold flair, she dominated the charts in the 1960s and ’70s. Pop on one of her records before your trip to Rome to immerse yourself in the vibrant, timeless atmosphere of Italy’s dolce vita era.
📘
Books
and Novels
Set in
Rome
Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes From an Ancient City
More than a cookbook, this is an edible journey. It’s perfect for pre-trip inspiration or post-trip reminiscence, unlocking Rome’s authentic culinary soul. Discover vibrant flavors and forgotten recipes, allowing you to connect with the city’s gastronomic heart and history right in your own kitchen.
The Eagles of Rome by Enrico Marini
Dive into ancient Rome with this epic graphic novel series. Thanks to magnificent illustrations and rigorous historical documentation, battles, loves, and rivalries bring captivating sagas to life.
The Secrets of Rome by Corrado Augias
This fascinating literary guide unveils the hidden soul of the Eternal City. Corrado Augias uncovers the myths, historical facts, and little-known figures that have profoundly shaped Rome, providing a unique perspective on the Italian capital.
Roman Walks by Stendhal
The celebrated French author, Stendhal, shares his personal observations of Rome in this timeless journal. Imbued with art, history, and emotion, this work presents an intimate and poetic vision of the Eternal City through his eyes.
Beard’s Roman Women by Anthony Burgess
In this novel, a grieving screenwriter finds a new lease on life in Rome, balancing artistic creation with a budding relationship. The city acts as both a backdrop and an emotional catalyst, accompanying this intimate rebirth with captivating poetry.
🎥
Documentaries
and Videos
About
Rome
Lost Treasures of Rome – The Baths of Stabiae
This episode takes you to the heart of Pompeii’s ruins, frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unearthed during modern excavations, the Baths of Stabiae reveal precious details about the daily life and rituals of the Roman era.
The Rise of the Roman Empire by National Geographic
The documentary reveals Rome’s mastery of the sea as crucial to its power. It highlights the engineering marvel of Portus, a Roman shipwreck discovery, and the artificial harbor at Caesarea Maritima. The episode shows how controlling the seas was key to Rome’s rise to an empire.
📻
Podcasts
About
Rome
The History of Rome by Mike Duncan
Often considered the gold standard for first-time listeners, this podcast meticulously covers the entire history of the Roman Empire. Its comprehensive list of episodes helps visitors plan their trip to Rome by offering deep historical context for iconic sites like the Roman Forum and its many churches.
Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!
While broader than just Rome, this podcast covers Roman mythology and ancient Mediterranean history with a casual, engaging tone. It offers a fresh perspective on ancient people and their stories, deepening your appreciation for the incredible artwork and museums you might encounter.
What is Rome Famous For: Get Ready for Italy!
This podcast offers an immersive journey for anyone taking a trip to Rome. It masterfully uncovers the Eternal City’s compelling, multifaceted history, including its Christianity, architecture, gastronomy, and culture. Listeners explore Rome’s pivotal Ancient, Christian, and Modern eras in detail, revealing both the bright and dark sides of history.
📺
TV Series
Set In
Rome
The Young Pope & The New Pope
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, these visually sumptuous series delve into the fictionalized behind-the-scenes world of the Vatican. While largely filmed on sets inspired by papal Rome, some scenes were even shot in St. Peter’s Square, offering direct views of the Basilica.
Emily in Paris
The young American makes a stop in Rome at the end of the fourth and beginning of the fifth seasons. The popular series shows her at the Hotel Eden, the Fendi boutique, and in other typical city locations—making it perfect for Rome travel inspiration.
Rick Steves in Italy: How to Visit Rome’s Must-See Tourist Attractions
This video offers a captivating journey through Rome’s layers. From ancient wonders like the Forum and Colosseum to Renaissance art, it’s a perfect guide for navigating crowds. It explores early Christian history, featuring Vatican City and its impressive Vatican Museum alongside the majestic Castel Sant’Angelo. You’ll also get a taste of authentic Roman life by showcasing delightful restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods.
What is the best way to tour Rome? By eating like Anthony Bourdain in Parts Unknown!
This was a particularly ambitious episode, filmed entirely in widescreen, letterbox anamorphic format, inspired by classic Italian cinema. Guided by local figures like actress Asia Argento and director Abel Ferrara, Bourdain focuses on a side of Rome you don’t typically see in tourist guides. He explores a more “working-class” Rome and its surrounding suburbs like Lido di Ostia and the E.U.R. zone built by Mussolini.
Luna Park
Set in 1960s Rome, the series features an affluent young woman who crosses paths with a fortune teller from a nomadic background. The famous amusement park, recreated for the series at Lido di Ostia, serves as the perfect backdrop for a captivating story of secrets and revelations.
