Where was Once Upon a Time in the West filmed?

During the declining days of the Old West in the desert Southwest of America, three gunmen (Jack Elam, Woody Strode, Al Mulock)—two clad in duster overcoats—approach a secluded train station. They seize control of the depot and bide their time, awaiting the train's arrival. When the train finally pulls in, an enigmatic stranger (Charles Bronson) playing the harmonica disembarks and inquires about a person named Frank. The gunmen inform him that they were sent by Frank as substitutes. A confrontation follows, resulting in all four men falling. Only the harmonica-playing individual manages to rise again.

This scene at the train station was filmed at La Calahorra near Guadix in Granada, Spain. Fans will find it difficult to visit this exact location due to it being demolished, but they will be delighted to experience its enchanting atmosphere and surroundings. The area is home to rolling hills and stunning views of mountains which were captured beautifully on film.

To get to La Calahorra near Guadix, visitors need to fly into nearby major airports such as Granada Airport. This location is found about an hour’s drive to the east of Granada.

Jill (Claudia Cardinale) hires a carriage to transport her to Sweetwater. The scene follows the carriage journey of Jill as she is driven to Sweetwater, with Sam (Paolo Stoppa) speeding through a group of railway workers. As they pass through Monument Valley, viewers are treated to stunning views of red buttes and mesas against an expansive horizon captured by director Sergio Leone's trademark wide-angle shots.

John Ford Point offers spectacular panoramic views into the expansive desert terrain of Monument Valley. This area was considered a sacred site for Navajo people, and it was featured in nine films directed by John Ford between 1939 and 1964. These films helped create an iconic image of the American West that has become embedded in popular culture.

One can reach John Ford Point by taking Monument Valley Road from US Highway 163. Guided tours are available, offering access to this beautiful natural landscape and other sites from Once Upon A Time in the West, such as Broken Arrow Arch, Three Warriors rock formation, and Bee Hive Butte.

The film's interiors were shot at the Cinecittà studios in Rome. Viewers may remember the scene set in a tavern, where Jill's beauty attracts the unwanted attention of the bartender (Lionel Stander). Following a loud off-screen shootout, the outlaw Cheyenne (Jason Robards) appears with shackles around his wrists. Once more, the harmonica's tune unveils the nameless stranger's presence, as he has been observing from a dimly lit corner of the tavern.

Built during Mussolini's era with a goal to revive Italian cinema, the Cinecittà studios have been used to shoot some of cinema's most iconic films, such as La Dolce Vita and Gangs of New York. Now open to tourists, they provide an amazing insight into some of Italy's most famous films and are a perfect place for any fan wanting to experience these movies firsthand.

Getting to Cinecittà is fairly straightforward. The studios are located on Via Tuscolana in Rome, easily accessible via bus and metro stops nearby. Numerous guided tours are also available if you'd like a more detailed look into this cinematic treasure trove.

The scene at the Navajo Cliff takes place in the middle of Monument Valley, Utah. The valley is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the world and has been used as a backdrop for many movies.

At the Navajo Cliff, Morton proposes to purchase Sweetwater to prevent further bloodshed, as he has grown weary of Frank's brutal methods. He feels he lacks the time to compete with Frank. However, away from his train, Morton appears feeble and pitiful, posing no challenge whatsoever in Frank's eyes. Frank knocks one of Morton's crutches away, causing him to fall face-first, and remarks, "I could squash you like a wormy apple." Frank then instructs some of his men to escort Morton back to his train and keep an eye on him.

The best way to experience this iconic spot made famous by Once Upon a Time in the West is to take an escorted tour. A five-mile round-trip hike is required to reach this location, which can be organized through Kayenta, Az., the closest town. Mystery Valley is part of Monument Valley that can only be visited with a Navajo guide, who will lead you past several archeological sites and homes of Navajo families. Visiting Monument Valley is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to explore this iconic western landscape made famous by Hollywood productions.

As Frank and Harmonica face each other at a short distance, gearing up for a duel, Harmonica reminisces about his previous encounters with Frank. In a flashback, a young Frank walks out of the desert and comes across an isolated, dilapidated Spanish mission, and we see a lone arch with a hanging bell at the top. He puts a brand-new harmonica into a young man's mouth, telling him to keep his elder brother satisfied.

The brick arch, where Bronson's character recalls his early years, is positioned near Monument Valley in Utah. The remains of the arch are still present at this site. The most famous landmark in Arches National Park is Delicate Arch, which is featured on Utah license plates and was included on a postage stamp celebrating Utah's 100th anniversary as a state in 1996. To visit the location, you'll need to hike roughly two miles or use an ATV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle if available.

To access this site from Flagstaff, AZ, you’ll need to head northeast via US-160 E for the best part of 200 miles.

The McBain farm is the setting for the ultimate showdown between Frank and Harmonica. They both draw their guns and fire. Frank spins around, stumbling a few steps before dropping to his knees. He inquires once more, "Who... who are you?" In response, Harmonica inserts the worn, battered harmonica into Frank's mouth. Instantly, Frank recalls the memory, envisioning the boy collapsing into the dust with the harmonica slipping from his mouth. Frank's lifeless body falls into the dust, and the harmonica falls out of his mouth.

The location where this iconic scene was filmed is known today as Western Leone, and it has been preserved since then as an entertainment park for film fans. Visitors can explore many of the buildings seen in Once Upon A Time In The West, such as the large red house around which many scenes revolve. Private tours are also available for those who want to get a closer look at some of these memorable filming locations from this classic Western movie.

Visitors interested in visiting Western Leone can take a bus or taxi from Almeria airport. You can also opt to drive if you have your car or rent one at the airport. Once you reach Rioja, follow signs to the A-92 highway, until you reach the right turn to the Western Leone Park entrance.