Where was Raiders of the Lost Ark filmed?

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) steals a golden idol from an ancient temple, only to encounter lethal booby traps. One memorable scene is when Indy flees from a giant rolling boulder. He narrowly escapes the cave's entrance just as the boulder crashes into it.

The suspense-filled and perilous scene sees Indy barely evading the boulder before it entraps him. The special effects used in the sequence achieved legendary status and were lauded for their realism by both critics and fans during its time.

This scene has become etched into popular culture, and its influence can be seen across various media, from cartoons to comic books and other films. It has also been referenced numerous times through multiple parodies and homages, cementing its legacy as one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable moments.

Kipu Ranch, located on the east coast of Kauai island in Hawaii provided the backdrop for the thrilling scene. The ranch is primarily farmland and not open to public access, however, visitors can book guided tours through Kipu Ranch Adventures, which takes them around the area where the filming took place.

Kauai Island is easily accessible via plane or boat from any part of Hawaii or outside, for instance, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Once there, travelers can hire cars or take advantage of local public transportation to reach Kipu Ranch Adventures.

As Indy is still upset over losing a precious statue, he has already found pieces that could fund a trip to Marrakesh to track down Belloq (Paul Freeman), who took it. However, his friend Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) informs him that two Army Intelligence officers are looking for Abner Ravenwood, Indy's former teacher, and Marion's (Karen Allen) father, whom he was previously close to until their split.

Later, Army officers interrupt Indy's class expressing worry after intercepting a German cable about an enormous archaeological excavation near Cairo in the Egyptian desert. Upon reading the cable, Indy and Marcus deduce that the Nazis have unearthed Tanis, an ancient city engulfed by a massive sandstorm in 980 B.C. This city is potentially the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

The external front of Marshall College in the film was actually the Conservatory of Music located at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. The Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific was built in 1927 and renovated in 1988.

So much remains unchanged from when it was first used as a film location in 1981. It is occasionally open to the public for concerts, but even when not hosting or visiting events like this, you can still get a glimpse of its beautiful exterior.

If you want to visit this site, it is located at 356 E Weddell Drive, Stockton, CA 95204. It’s easily accessible by car, but bus services run through Stockton.

Indy sets off for Nepal with a Nazi agent, Toht (Ronald Lacey), hot on his trail. He seeks to reconnect with Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), who runs a bar and restaurant and is famed for her superior drinking prowess.

The scene unfolds with a beautifully rendered matte painting of the landscape before transitioning into the chaotic interior of the bar filled with fighting patrons. Indy's objective is to acquire the headpiece of the Staff of Ra, currently in Marion's possession.

The bar is dimly lit, rustic with wooden tables, shelves filled with bottles, and a roaring fireplace. Nazi agent Toht and his henchmen confront Marion as they demand the headpiece to the Staff of Ra that she has been wearing around her neck and hold her hostage. In response, Indy bursts into the bar brandishing his gun and takes out Toht's thugs before saving Marion from certain death.

The scene was filmed at Elstree Film Studios in Hertfordshire, England, on Stage 2. This studio complex houses numerous sound stages and other filmmaking and television production facilities. It was founded in 1925 and remains one of Britain’s most acclaimed film production studios today.

Please note that the studio is only available for production purposes.

To get to Elstree Film Studios, visitors can take the train from St Pancras International to Borehamwood station, just a short ride on the bus or taxi from the studio complex.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the sword-fighting scene occurs at Place Zarrouk (or Place J'raba), near the Mosque of the Three Gates in Kairouan. While shopping at a bazaar in Cairo, Indy and Marion are attacked by sword-wielding Arab men who are working for Nazi agents.

During this scene, Indy faces off against an intimidating swordsman but quickly dispatches him with one shot from his gun. This moment is now famously known as "the shooting of the Swordsman" and has become a fan favorite due to its excellent use of comedy.

Situated in the city's heart, Place Zarrouk is a major attraction for tourists. Its prime location near other popular sites like art galleries and traditional markets makes it a convenient spot for visitors. Modern Kairouan thrives on the grain and livestock trade from the nearby regions. Additionally, it serves as a significant hub for carpets and handmade crafts.

Reaching Place Zarrouk or the adjacent Medina district is simple, with public transit options like buses or taxis. The site is just an 11-minute stroll from Kairouan's city center and a 2-hour drive from the city of Sfax via routes A1 and C87.

Indy confronts the Nazis using a German rocket launcher to keep them at bay while threatening to obliterate the Ark. Belloq (Paul Freeman), however, sees through Indy's ruse, aware that Indy's curiosity about the Ark's contents is as intense as anyone else's.

Unable to follow through on his threat, Indy is apprehended. This is a dramatic moment as Indiana Jones attempts to prevent the Nazis from opening the Ark of the Covenant and unleashing its ancient power. The tension in the canyon is palpable as Indy's defiant stand against overwhelming odds is met by Belloq's smug confidence that he can outwit him.

Sidi Bouhlel Canyon, located near Tozeur, Tunisia provided the backdrop for the nerve-wracking scene. The area offers stunning views and features dramatic rock formations created by erosion over centuries. In Star Wars - A New Hope, this is the location where R2-D2 was captured by the Jawas.

To get to Sidi Bouhlel Canyon, visitors can fly into Tunis-Carthage International Airport or Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport before taking a bus or private car from either airport to Tozeur. From there, it’s a short drive to Sidi Bouhlel Canyon itself, which lies about 16 miles outside of town.

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. government expresses gratitude to Jones for retrieving the Ark. Despite Jones' persistent inquiries, the agents merely respond that the Ark has been transferred to an unknown location for examination by "top men." Subsequently, we see Indy and Marion descending the grand steps of a magnificent lobby.

This imposing lobby scene was filmed at San Francisco City Hall, located between McAllister and Grove Streets on Polk Street, a location you might recognize from Dirty Harry (1971). Reopened in 1915, this Beaux-Arts architectural masterpiece is a testament to the City Beautiful movement, reflecting the American Renaissance period from the ‘80s to 1917. The venue offers tours, allowing fans to visit and experience the staircase firsthand.

Visitors should go to Polk Street between McAllister and Grove Streets in San Francisco, California to get to this location. It is easily accessible via public transportation. Alternatively, those traveling by car may access it through I-80 or US-101 highways leading into San Francisco.