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Lawrence of Arabia movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Lawrence of Arabia filmed?

1962

City Locations

Wadu Rum (Jordan); Andalucia, Almeria (Spain); London (UK)

Location Types

Hacienda, Church, Unusual

Location Styles

Desert, Beachfront, Dilapidated, Mediterranean, Colonial

About Lawrence of Arabia

The movie Lawrence of Arabia is a drama film released in 1962. David Lean directed the movie about the life of British archaeologist/army officer Thomas Edward Lawrence, played by Peter O'Toole. The film also stars Anthony Quinn, Alec Guinness, Omar Sharif, Jack Hawkins, and Arthur Kennedy.

Set during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I, it tells the story of how a British soldier's efforts united rival Arab tribes in their struggle against the Turks. The film follows Lawrence as he leaves his comfortable post in Cairo to join forces with Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness) and his men to take up arms against the Turks.

After uniting rival Arab factions and leading them in the battle against superior Turkish forces, Lawrence successfully captures Aqaba from the Turks. He secures an alliance between Britain and Feisal's parties. Despite facing relentless opposition from his British superiors and Feisal himself, who doubt his motives for aiding the Arabs, Lawrence continues his mission until its successful completion.

Lawrence of Arabia received widespread critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography, epic scope, and powerful performances. It won seven Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Cinematography (Color), Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color), Sound Mixing, Editing, Original Score, and Director at the 35th Academy Awards, the most Oscars for any single film at that time.

In addition to its critical acclaim, it was a commercial success, becoming one of the top-grossing films in 1963 with a $70 million domestic box office. The film has also achieved cult status over time due to its iconic visual sequences, such as Peter O'Toole's introduction riding across the desert or Omar Sharif's entrance on horseback from the sun-drenched horizon.

Lawrence of Arabia Locations

Various locations, particularly Jordan, Syria, and England, provided the backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia. The production team used the stunning Middle Eastern desert landscape as a setting for the action scenes, capturing alluring oases surrounded by arid plains. This breathtaking region helped bring authenticity to the main narrative of T. E. Lawrence's involvement in the WWI Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Most filming took place in Jordan and Syria, at Jafr in Jordan, where production teams built an entire town for the movie named Aqaba. Playa del Algarrobico near Carboneras, Genovese Beach, San Jose on Cabo de Gata (Cape of the Cat), and Cairo's Palaçio Español plaza provided settings for other scenes.

The true beauty of these Middle Eastern destinations comes into its own; picture heading out on a camel ride through rolling dunes that stretch far beyond the horizon! Travelers passionate about the film would find a trip to these regions worthwhile. The vast expanses that feature so prominently in Lawrence of Arabia are breathtakingly beautiful and offer an incredible insight into life in this part of the world.

The memorial service for the T.E. Lawrence scene in Lawrence of Arabia

St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

In 1935, T. E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) died in a motorcycle accident. During his memorial service, a reporter attempted to gather information about this fascinating and mysterious individual from those who had known him, but the endeavor was largely unsuccessful.

The steps in front of the cathedral provided the setting for the memorial service, a fitting tribute to a man held in such reverence. The interior shots in this scene were recreated in a Spanish studio, as filming inside a landmark was impossible back then.

The Cathedral stands today, as it has since Christopher Wren designed it in 1697. It is an icon of London and an essential part of its history and culture. From the top of its dome, you can get stunning views over the city, an experience that tourists and locals alike have enjoyed for centuries.

To get to the Cathedral, you can take a bus, train, or underground, stopping near the cathedral. By underground, you can take the Central Line to St. Paul’s station or walk from Mansion House station.

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Prince Faisal's camp scene in Lawrence of Arabia

Wadi Rum, HC56+V35, Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) enters the camp with a Bedouin guide, surrounded by hundreds of Arab soldiers. As he arrives, Colonel Brighton (Anthony Quayle) orders him to make an assessment and leave, but Lawrence ignores it.

He meets Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) and impresses him with his knowledge and openness. The scene portrays the power and beauty of Lawrence's character as he navigates his way through a new world.

The Wadi Rum in Jordan, twenty miles north of the Gulf of Aqaba, is where the scene unfolded. It is considered one of the most spectacular desert landscapes. Its orange dunes form a magnificent setting for this movie moment, where modernity meets tradition in an awe-inspiring environment that transports viewers back to a different era.

Tourists can visit Lawrence’s Spring in Wadi Rum, named after Lawrence of Arabia, who stayed there during the Arab Revolt. There is one rock with an ancient inscription, a tent, and some camels reminiscent of his time there.

Wadi Rum is easily accessible from Aqaba or Petra via private car or taxi. Once you arrive in Wadi Rum village, join a local tour operator, who will take you on a ride into the desert.

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Lawrence receives an Arab robe scene in Lawrence of Arabia

Entrada Oase Lawrence de Arabia, 2G4W+Q2, 04260 Moscolux, Almería, Spain

The group travels through the Nefud Desert, which is known as an impossible-to-cross area. They travel day and night continuously to reach water. During the journey, Gasim (I. S. Johar) becomes exhausted and falls off his camel while no one notices it at night.

The rest of the group reaches an oasis, but Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) decides to return and find the lost man. After locating him, Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) is convinced and burns Lawrence's British uniform. He gives Lawrence some Arab robes to wear. The mesmerizing visuals combined with Maurice Jarre's soundtrack make this scene an unforgettable experience for viewers.

This powerful scene was shot in the Tabernas Desert, a barren landscape around 30 kilometers north of Almería in Spain. It has served as a backdrop for many adventure films over the years, and three of these structures are still standing today.

To get to Tabernas Desert from Almería, visitors can take a private car following A-7 and A-92 roads until they reach their destination. Alternatively, one can fly to Almería International Airport and then take a taxi or rent a car.

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Attack on the Aqaba scene in Lawrence of Arabia

Playa del Algarrobico, Carboneras, Almería, Spain

Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) suggests a bold and unexpected assault on Aqaba. It would offer a port for the British to unload essential resources if accomplished. The scene features hundreds of soldiers clashing against each other in a desert landscape. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the vastness of the desert and creating a sense of awe as viewers witness the battle.

Playa del Algarrobico near Carboneras, Almeria in Spain, is where this scene unfolded. This beach is known for its unspoiled beauty and crystal-clear waters, perfect for shooting such an epic battle. The town of Aqaba is fictional, and the production team constructed it on a beach.

If you wish to visit this location today, take a train from Madrid or Barcelona directly to Carboneras. Fly into Madrid or Barcelona and then take a connecting flight to Almeria airport before continuing by car or bus.

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Lawrence comes to the British army headquarters in Jerusalem scene in Lawrence of Arabia

Plaza de Pilatos, 1, 41003 Sevilla, Spain

In Jerusalem, Allenby (Jack Hawkins) requests Lawrence's support for his big push on Damascus. However, Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) is reluctant to return as he is tormented and has undergone a change.

After Allenby emphasizes that Lawrence has a destiny, he eventually agrees. Lawrence mistakenly believes the warriors will support him for his cause rather than for financial gain. Intricate designs of tiles and sculptures that depict the grandeur of this 16th-century building cover the walls, floors, and ceilings. The dialogue between General Allenby and Lawrence is tense as it becomes clear that Lawrence wants nothing to do with the plan for Damascus anymore.

The majestic Casa de Pilatos served as the filming set for the scene between General Allenby and Lawrence of Arabia. The building, constructed in 1519, was once believed to be a replica of Pontius Pilate's Jerusalem home, although this claim has since been untrue. During a religious play performed there in the 16th century, an actor playing Pilate appeared at a window to deliver a speech. Afterward, the palace became commonly known as Pilate's home.

To reach the destination, you have two options for public transportation: take bus C4 or 01 from Prado San Sebastian. If you are driving, go via v. de Andalucía and C. Luis Montoto from Palmete.

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Lawrence is ordered to return home scene in Lawrence of Arabia

Casino de la Exposición, Glorieta San Diego, Seville, Spain

The Arabs established a council to govern the city. However, due to their lack of experience and expertise in such matters, as they were nomadic tribes, they could not handle the responsibilities. The different tribes engaged in arguments and could not unite against the English. Despite Lawrence's (Peter O'Toole) efforts to integrate them, the English regained control of the city.

The Arabs could not maintain the infrastructure and frequently fought amongst themselves. Eventually, they abandoned most of the city to the British. Lawrence got promoted to colonel, but the British diplomats and Faisal (Alec Guinness) no longer needed his services, and he received orders to return home.

As Colonel Lawrence drives away in a staff car, the camera pans out to show the sprawling city of Aqaba and its spectacular desert landscape. This scene has become iconic in cinema history for its depiction of Aqaba’s ancient beauty and its sweeping score by Maurice Jarre.

The filming location was at Casino de la Exposición in Seville, Spain. It hosted Pabellón de Sevilla during the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. Nowadays, it is a top cultural hub in Seville, where one can find multiple art galleries, performance spaces, and restaurants.

To get to Casino de la Exposición, visitors can take a bus or taxi from Seville's Santa Justa train station. Alternatively, it is a 17-minute walk from Plaza Nueva or Torre del Oro. Visitors can also take advantage of the bike-sharing service in Seville for a longer scenic journey along the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Conclusion

The film features an impressive cast, with Peter O'Toole delivering an unforgettable performance as Lawrence. His interpretation of the character, displaying a combination of amusement and crust, is captivating.

The cinematography is breathtaking and perfectly captures the vastness of the desert. Viewers cannot help but get swept away by the sheer beauty of the sandy landscapes unfolding before them. The cross-continent trip to visit the filming locations of Lawrence of Arabia would prove worthwhile for any fan.

Lawrence of Arabia left an indelible mark on the movie industry. It won seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and set a new standard for cinematic grandeur that still influences Hollywood today. Its influence on subsequent epics, such as Gladiator or Braveheart, cannot be overstated; all owe something to Lean's vision for Lawrence's story.

Any cinema lover should watch Lawrence of Arabia at least once; its timeless appeal keeps audiences captivated even decades later. Its technical brilliance and bold storytelling remain iconic hallmarks of blockbusters across all genres, making it essential viewing for any film enthusiast!