Giggster logo
Roman Holiday movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Roman Holiday filmed?

1953

City Locations

Rome (Italy)

Location Types

Storefront, Cafe, Museum, Riverside, Church

Location Styles

Foreign, Gothic/Victorian, Greek/Neoclassical, Old Hollywood, Retreat, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro

About Roman Holiday

A trip back to 1953, Roman Holiday is a masterpiece from the golden age of Hollywood directed and produced by the skillful William Wyler. The film, shot in the vibrant Cinecittà studios and around Rome, stars the effortlessly charismatic Audrey Hepburn and the charming Gregory Peck, each bringing their distinct personalities to the screen.

At the heart of this romantic comedy is Crown Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), who, during a strictly planned tour of Europe, daringly escapes from her embassy in Rome for an adventure. On her escapade, she crosses paths with Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), an astute American reporter who seizes the opportunity for an exclusive interview. As the plot unfolds, the pair explores Rome, kindling a romantic spark as unforgettable as Rome. However, their romantic escapade is short-lived as Princess Ann's responsibilities return her to her royal duties.

The romantic comedy Roman Holiday was well-received by critics and audiences alike. Its enduring allure stems from several sources, including the mesmerizing plot, the breathtaking portrayal of Rome, and the beautiful chemistry between Hepburn and Peck. The Academy Award for Best Actress went to Audrey Hepburn, who was already a Hollywood legend, owing to her outstanding performance. The film's illustrious legacy in Hollywood chronicles was further enhanced by its captivating storyline and stunning costume design, both of which went on to win accolades.

The National Film Registry of the United States selected Roman Holiday for preservation in 1999 in honor of its substantial impact on American cinema. Roman Holiday's mesmerizing love story and Hepburn and Peck's spellbinding performances ensure that it remains a charmer to this day.

Roman Holiday Locations

Embark on a magnificent journey around Rome, the center of Italy, with Roman Holiday. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing blend of art, culture, and history while captivated by the stunning landscapes and architectural marvels that served as the setting for the enduring love story. Rome becomes a live-action film set, with regal backdrops such as Palazzo Brancaccio and Palazzo Barberini, which served as Princess Ann's embassy, the lively atmosphere of the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti), and the bustling center of the city.

Stroll down Via Margutta 51 to see Joe Bradley's modest home, which is a sight to behold with its picturesque allure, and revisit the fantastic moments of riverside dancing at the majestic Castel Sant'Angelo. Visit the Oratorio dei Filippini, the site of the iconic bell tower scene, and then follow in the footsteps of Ann and Irving at the quaint G. Rocca Cafe for a taste of Rome. Behold the American News Service Office tucked away in the Galleria Alberto Sordi, and witness the hilarious and life-altering barbershop scenario at the iconic Trevi Fountain.

You will explore locations including the commanding Palazzo Colonna and the historic Roman Forum, culminating your journey at the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin. A trip to the locations of the Roman Holiday offers you the unique chance to relive the spellbinding romance of an era gone by while basking in Rome's everlasting charm.

The new haircut scene in Roman Holiday

Via della Stamperia, 85, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Ann (Audrey Hepburn) finds herself entranced by the bustling street life. Her attention is particularly drawn to a young Italian woman stepping out of a barber shop; her chic, short haircut starkly contrasts Ann's traditional tresses. Inspired, Ann decides to seize the day and steps into the barber shop, requesting Mario Delani (Paolo Carlini), the barber, to replicate the stylish haircut.

The barber shop was located to the east of the iconic Trevi Fountain, a spectacular landmark dating back to 1629. The shop was located at Via della Stamperia 85, just to the left of the grand rectangular entrance. However, today, leather goods stores have replaced the once-buzzing barber shops, reflecting the evolving trends and times.

To reach this location from the city center, you can take a taxi or a private car ride via Via del Tritone. The journey should take approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, it's about a 20-minute stroll from the city center if you're up for a walk. We suggest strolling through all the filming locations to immerse yourself in the ambiance fully.

Ann sits on the steps eating gelato scene in Roman Holiday

Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Princess Ann, freshly shorn of her royal locks, sits nonchalantly on the steps, relishing her gelato while taking in the view. After receiving compliments on her new look, she confides in Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) about her school escape and accepts his offer to spend the day together before she has to return. Thus, their enchanting Roman holiday begins.

The Spanish Steps, where this memorable scene was filmed, is a celebrated attraction and popular gathering spot in Rome. "Spanish Steps" comes from the nearby Spanish Embassy in Piazza di Spagna. Built around 300 years ago, these steps are renowned for being Europe's longest and widest staircase.

Since the 18th century, the Spanish Steps have been a source of inspiration for artists and poets. Later, they caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers, becoming an iconic location for movies like Roman Holiday. Today, the steps continue to draw tourists worldwide, becoming a bustling hub for affluent Romans, aspiring models, international travelers, and people from all walks of life.

To reach the Spanish Steps, take a taxi or private car drive via Nazionale; this route should take approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk from the city center, which should take about 20 minutes.

The cafe scene in Roman Holiday

Rocca's, Via della Rotonda, 20, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

At the Rocca Café, nestled in the shadows of the Pantheon, Joe and Ann share a drink. It's also here that Princess Ann tries her first cigarette, adding a touch of rebellious charm to her character. Their quiet moment is interrupted when Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert), Joe's colleague and photographer, stumbles upon them.

Though the Rocca Café no longer exists today, the streets surrounding the Piazza Navona continue to be dotted with some of Rome's finest coffee shops. Notable among these are Caffè Sant'Eustachio and Tazza d'Oro, reputed for serving the city's best espresso. The façade of the long-closed Rocca Café still exists, located right next to the grand Pantheon, a historical monument built in 126 AD. More specifically, it's situated at the northwest corner of the Pantheon's exterior.

You can get to this location by hailing a taxi or hiring a private car from the city center. The journey via Via Nazionale should take approximately 12 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation, such as the blue metro line or a bus, to reach your destination.

Joe pretends that his hand is trapped scene in Roman Holiday

Mouth of Truth, Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Among the most iconic moments is when Ann and Joe spend a day seeing the sights of Rome. The marble sculpture known as the "Mouth of Truth" (Bocca della Verita) is believed to cut off the fingers of liars among these treasures. Joe humorously acts out the situation by pretending his hand is trapped in the Mouth of Truth as Ann hesitates to put hers inside it.

This fascinating relic is kept in the Santa Maria Church in Cosmedin, in Piazza Bocca della Verita. Most archaeologists agree that it dates back to before 400 BC when it served as a drain cover. As the fearsome jaws of the Mouth of Truth would clamp down on the hand of the liar in medieval mythology, it was an intriguing and unconventional tool for gauging marital faithfulness.

Although the Mouth of Truth is the main attraction and charges a fee, the church's interior is equally worth exploring. The unique and stunning mosaic tilework will leave you in awe.

Taking a cab or a private vehicle via Nazionale and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II should get you to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in around fifteen minutes. Another option is to walk for approximately forty minutes to the church from the city center.

The dance on a boat scene in Roman Holiday

Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II & Ponte Sant'Angelo, Lungotevere dei Fiorentini, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Ann and Joe find themselves at a dance on the boat. Government agents, having tracked down the princess, attempt to escort her away, but a wild brawl breaks out. Amidst the chaos, Joe and Ann manage to escape. Throughout these thrilling events, they gradually fall in love. However, Ann, aware of the impossibility of their situation, bids Joe farewell without revealing her true identity and returns to the embassy. The evening of dancing culminates with an exhilarating leap into the river.

This iconic scene was filmed between Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, built in 1886, and Ponte Sant'Angelo, constructed in 134 AD. Even though the barge is no longer there, the site maintains its historical allure.

It is situated at the foot of Castel Sant'Angelo, a 2nd-century mausoleum that is the final resting place of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The monument's rich history and architectural grandeur continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Over the centuries, this location has served various purposes, including being a papal residence, a castle, and a prison. Today, it stands as the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo.

Visiting this historic location is relatively straightforward. It's easily accessible in Rome; fans can stroll down the street to enjoy the atmosphere. To get to Castel Sant'Angelo, you can opt for a taxi or a private car ride. The journey via Nazionale and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II should take approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer a stroll, it's about a 45-minute walk from the city center.

Princess Ann's final choice scene in Roman Holiday

Galleria Colonna Museo e Pinacoteca, Via della Pilotta, 17, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Joe presents Princess Ann with photographs from their day together as a keepsake of her adventure. In a subtle exchange, Joe assures her that her secret escapade will remain safe with them. In response, Princess Ann weaves a coded message of love and gratitude to Joe into her routine press conference statements. The scene concludes with a bittersweet moment as she departs, leaving Joe to contemplate what could have been.

This memorable scene is set against the backdrop of the Galleria Colonna Museo at the Colonna family's grand private palace in Rome. This magnificent blend of 17th and 18th-century buildings has been in the possession of the Colonna family for over 20 generations.

The gallery within this palace emanates an aura of aristocratic grandeur. It features an ancient red marble column at one end, bearing the family's emblem, and the ceiling fresco depicting the Battle of Lepanto, a masterpiece painted by Giovanni Coli and Filippo Gherardi that commenced in 1675. The impressive array of artworks featuring saints, madonnas, popes, goddesses, and cardinals adds to the grandeur of the location.

If you wish to visit this iconic filming location, the palace is open to the public. You can reach this location via various means of public transport. The closest metro station is Cavour (Line B), a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus (lines 40, 64, 70, or 170) to the Piazza Venezia stop, which is a 5-minute walk from the palace.

Conclusion

Roman Holiday is a film that has profoundly impacted the movie industry and continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting story and remarkable performances. The movie, set in the heart of Italy, Rome, is a visual feast, showcasing the city's stunning architecture and vibrant life.

The lead actress, Audrey Hepburn, in her American screen debut, delivers a memorable performance as Princess Ann. Her portrayal of a princess from an unnamed country on a goodwill tour of Europe is filled with sensitivity and sincerity, making her character genuinely captivating. Wyler's artistic subtlety and tongue-in-cheek restraint add a unique charm to the film, making it enjoyable for all audiences.

One of the most striking aspects of Roman Holiday is its use of real locations. The film takes you on a picturesque journey through Rome, using real-life palaces like Palazzo Brancaccio and Palazzo Barberini as Princess Ann's embassy. The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti), pulsating with life, further add to the vibrant ambiance, transforming Rome into an open-air movie set. The effect is eye-popping; audiences witness a romance between the two lead characters and a love affair between the camera and the city.

Roman Holiday goes beyond being a screen romance; it becomes a travel brochure, enticing viewers to explore the city of Rome. This innovative approach contributes significantly to the movie industry, setting a precedent for future films. The film's locations are worth visiting, offering a chance to step into a real-life movie set and experience the enchanting city of Rome.