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For a Few Dollars More movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was For a Few Dollars More filmed?

1965

City Locations

Madrid, Andalucia (Spain); Rome (Italy)

Location Types

Ranch, Film Studio, Church/Temple

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Rustic, Craftsman, Mediterranean, Southwestern, Ranch Style, Dilapidated/Neglected

About For a Few Dollars More

Sergio Leone's 1965 film For a Few Dollars More is a renowned Spaghetti Western starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. The plot follows two bounty hunters, Col. Douglas Mortimer (Van Cleef) and an unnamed man (Eastwood), as they team up to apprehend the infamous outlaw Indio (played by Gian Maria Volontè). Despite their differing motivations for capturing him, the two characters develop a bond over their mutual thirst for retribution and righteousness.

For a Few Dollars More heavily features Leone's different cinematic elements, such as intense close-up shots and impactful pauses. Ennio Morricone's iconic soundtrack is widely known and highly regarded as one of the most excellent compositions in Western cinema history. In the sequel to A Fistful of Dollars, Clint Eastwood repeats his role of the "Man With No Name" and is seen smoking cigars while wearing his famous serape.

For a Few Dollars More forever cemented Leone’s mark on cinema history, providing further evidence of his skillful direction and unparalleled style. This beloved classic continues to captivate audiences over fifty years since its initial release.

For a Few Dollars More Locations

This production was filmed primarily in Almería, Tabernas, Andalucia (Spain), with interiors at Rome's Cinecittà Studios. The set for the fictitious town of El Paso was built in the Almería desert and still exists as a tourist attraction known as Mini Hollywood. Additionally, some scenes were shot in Hoyo de Manzanares near Madrid and Colmenar Viejo north of Madrid. These locations no longer exist today but were essential backdrops for Eastwood’s performance. Finally, the final fight scene was filmed at Cortijo del Fraile, a historical place in Almeria.

The stunning backdrop of the region that served as For a Few Dollar More’s primary filming location was a semi-desert terrain made up of canyons and mountains with jagged peaks. For those familiar with their surroundings, it will come as no surprise that many iconic films throughout cinema history have been shot in this exact area due to its unique spectacular scenery and variety of landscapes.

A trip to visit the original locations from For a Few Dollars More would be more than worthwhile considering how little these locations have changed over the years. Landmarks like Mini Hollywood are still standing today, allowing tourists to experience what life must have been like during Eastwood's time on set. It is an experience unlike any other for hardcore Leone fans who are eager to retrace his footsteps and become immersed in his legendary cinematic western world.

Mortimer stops the train scene in For a Few Dollars More

Almería Railway Station, Pl. de la Estación, 1, 04006 Almería, Spain

At the movie's beginning, Colonel Douglas Mortimer stops the train he is on illegally outside the small town of Tucumcari. After riding on his horse, he reaches the town's brothel, where he faces Guy Calloway (José Terrón), a wanted criminal. He chases and shoots him, and as a result, earns a bounty of $1,000.

The scene was filmed at Almería Railway Station in Spain. The station was built in 1893 and retains much of its original charm, including the large clock tower seen in the background during the chase scene. Over the years, it has been transformed into a modern railway station, with high-speed trains connecting the region to many cities in Spain. Visitors to Almería Railway Station can take advantage of numerous guided tours that highlight the filming locations used in For a Few Dollars More and other classic Western movies shot there. The station also offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, museums, and cultural attractions.

Visitors can take a train directly to get to Almería Railway Station from Madrid or other major cities in Spain. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Almería International Airport (LEI), located about five miles from the railway station. From there, they can take a bus or taxi to reach their final destination.

El Indio's gang's hideout scene in For a Few Dollars More

Cortijo del Fraile, 04116, Almería, Spain

The prison scene begins with Indio serving a jail sentence, when his gang unexpectedly bursts into the prison and kills several guards to free their leader. As soon as he escapes, he orders his men to kill more guards, but instead, spares the life of one, so that he can let people know what he and his gang are capable of. This scene is especially iconic since it provides insight into Indio's character, showcasing his ruthless and calculated approach to crime while also revealing his propensity for mercy. His actions during this scene immediately set him apart as a villain who is willing to take extreme measures but has some semblance of morality.

The scene was shot at Cortijo del Fraile, an 18th-century stone farmhouse constructed by Dominican friars which included an oratory, bell tower, crypt, ovens, and stables surrounding a central courtyard. Unfortunately, Cortijo del Fraile is currently closed to visitors due to its age and location.

Despite this closure, fans can still get an up-close look at the exterior of Cortijo del Fraile by taking a short car ride from Seville to Almeria, where it is located. Once there, visitors can admire the building’s unique architecture and perhaps even pretend they’re living out their favorite scenes from For a Few Dollars More.

Indio sends Manco to rob a bank in Santa Cruz scene in For a Few Dollars More

Cinecittà Studios, Via Tuscolana, 1055, 00173 Roma RM, Italy

Indio sends Manco (Eastwood) and three other bandits to rob a bank in Santa Cruz. Once they arrive at the town, Manco shoots down his fellow bandits and sends a false telegraphic alarm to summon the El Paso sheriff and his posse. The scene is shot with great intensity as Manco surrounds himself with numerous foes.

Interior shots and the Santa Cruz town were filmed at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, Italy. Located in the heart of Rome's Flaminio district, Cinecittà Studios is one of Europe's largest film studios with over 150 hectares of space dedicated to filmmaking and special effects. Tourists worldwide have come to visit this unique studio where dreams are made into movies.

Anyone wanting to visit this iconic site can take public transportation, such as bus or train, when traveling to Cinecittà Studios from Rome city center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private car service via Via Casilina road that will drop you off directly at the studio entrance gate. Tours are available for anyone who wants more information about its history and behind-the-scenes looks at some of its most famous sets.

El Paso city scenes in For a Few Dollars More

Mini Hollywood, Carretera Nacional 340A, km 464, 04200 Tabernas, Almería, Spain

Manco and Mortimer arrive at El Paso to capture Indio, but the plan fails and Indio’s gang successfully rob the bank and escape with the money. Though Manco wants to end his association with Mortimer, he changes his mind after Mortimer convinces him otherwise. Eventually, Manco joins forces with Indio again and persuades him to take a different route from what the Colonel had planned. The iconic scene of bank robbery in this movie is remembered as one of the classic Old West scenes depicting outlaws on the run with their spoils.

The scene was filmed at Mini Hollywood, located just outside Almería in Spain. Built in 1965 for For a Few Dollars More, this movie set included a full town complete with saloon, gun store, hotel, church, and more, perfect for recreating an authentic old-west feel. You can easily take a tour there since the place is open for tourists.

To get to Mini Hollywood from Almería City Centre, you can take a private car ride via A-7 and A-92. The journey will take around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic in Almeria.

The confrontation scene in For a Few Dollars More

Los Albaricoques, Cabo de Gata, Almería, Andalucía, Spain

Manco and the gang reach Agua Caliente, a border town, and to Manco's surprise, Mortimer is there waiting for him. Colonel Mortimer is recognized by The Hunchback (Klaus Kinski), and they have a confrontation resulting in the latter's death. The Colonel demonstrates his talent to Indio by opening the safe without blowing it up. However, Indio decides to wait for a month before using the stolen money to let the hype die down. The money is locked away in a chest in the treasure room.

The scene was shot at Los Albaricoques, Cabo de Gata, Almería, Andalucía, Spain. Los Albaricoques is a Spanish village located within Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, one of the White Towns of Andalucia. It is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and nature reserves, perfect for filming movies such as For a Few Dollars More.

Los Albaricoques is about an hour's drive from Almería city center by car. The best way to get there is by renting a car or taking public transportation, with the journey taking a little more than half an hour.

Final fight scene in For a Few Dollars More

C. Campo, 22, 04116 Albaricoques, Almería, Spain

After Mortimer and Manco successfully kill the bandits, Mortimer challenges Indio while revealing his identity. While chasing after Groggy (Luigi Pistilli), Mortimer shoots him down. Indio disarms Mortimer, but a duel is initiated when Indio plays his pocket watch. At the same time, Manco's pocket watch starts playing the same tune as the one he stole from Mortimer. Manco provides Mortimer with his gunbelt and pistol, and the two stand their ground. At the end of the music, Mortimer fires first and kills Indio.

The scene was filmed at C. Campo in Los Albaricoques, Almería, Spain, which offers stunning views of Mediterranean landscapes. To get to this location, you’re looking at around a 35-minute drive from Almería.

Conclusion

For a Few Dollars More is an iconic Western starring Clint Eastwood as the enigmatic Man with No Name. The film is a classic example of the genre, featuring larger-than-life characters, long gun fights, and plenty of corny clichés. Eastwood's performance as the lead is undoubtedly one of his best. He captures the character perfectly, projecting a quiet yet powerful presence that conveys his silent strength and determination. His interactions with other characters are also very compelling, and he brings genuine depth to the role in his portrayal of a complex anti-hero.

The script for For a Few Dollars More is strong and engaging, creating a profoundly atmospheric world filled with tension and excitement. The idea behind the film is also sound, utilizing popular motifs from Westerns in the past while still offering something fresh and original. Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, For a Few Dollars More has immensely impacted modern cinema. It helped to define the Western genre for subsequent generations and inspired many similar films since its release. Moreover, Eastwood’s performance has been widely copied by other actors attempting to emulate his signature style.

Overall, it's clear that For a Few Dollars More is well worth watching for anyone interested in classic Westerns or cinema. And if you’re a fan of the movie, it’s well worth checking out some of these filming locations in person.