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Romeo + Juliet  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Romeo + Juliet filmed?

1996

City Locations

Mexico City (Mexico), Veracruz (Mexico), Texcoco (Mexico), Alameda (USA), Benito Juarez (Mexico)

Location Types

Mansion, Church, Film Studio

Location Styles

Beachfront, Helicopter, Luxury, Contemporary Modern, Modern Car, Modern Building

About Romeo + Juliet

The 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, also known as "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet," is a romantic crime movie directed, written, and produced by Baz Luhrmann. The updated version of William Shakespeare's tragedy still uses the original language, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes portraying the two star-crossed lovers who come from feuding families.

The supporting cast includes Brian Dennehy, Harold Perrineau, John Leguizamo, Paul Sorvino, Pete Postlethwaite, and Diane Venora. This is the third main adaptation of the play; it was previously filmed in 1936 and 1968.

20th Century Fox released the film on November 1, 1996, to generally positive reviews. It raked $147 million at the box office, exceeding the production budget of $14.5 million by a significant margin. DiCaprio won the Silver Bear for Best Actor and Luhrmann received the Alfred Bauer Prize at the 47th Berlin International Film Festival in 1997.

Brigitte Broch and Catherine Martin were nominated for the Best Art Direction/Set Decoration award at the 69th Academy Awards. The movie was included in BFI's 2005 list of "50 Films to Watch before the Age of 14.”

Romeo + Juliet Locations

The production of the 1996 classic, Romeo + Juliet, took place across multiple continents. With pre-production in Australia and Canada and post-production in Australia, some parts of the film were shot in Miami, yet most of the scenes were filmed in Mexico City and Boca del Rio, Veracruz. These locations provided a wide range of landscapes that sprung the famed Romeo and Juliet story to life.

Mexico City is a vibrant location with a rich history that provided an ideal backdrop for this classic tragedy. Streets adorned with Spanish Colonial architecture and filled with colorful murals provide a unique atmosphere. The backdrop of this densely populated city juxtaposes perfectly with rural Veracruz's coastline beaches and forests which represent the more romantic elements of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers' tale.

A trip to experience the Romeo + Juliet filming location is certainly worthwhile as they each offer their own unique identities. There are plenty of cultural activities worth exploring in the city, including visiting archaeological sites like Teotihuacan or visiting historical sites like Chapultepec Castle while Veracruz provides travelers with beautiful hiking trails through lush jungles or peaceful days spent relaxing on its sandy beaches. Both areas also have great food options allowing visitors to experience local cuisine as they explore these areas that served as inspiration for one of cinema's greatest love stories.

Meeting the Capulets and Montagues scene in Romeo + Juliet

C. Atletas 2, Country Club Churubusco, Coyoacán, 04210 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Verona Beach is home to two rival business empires, the Capulets and the Montagues. The long-standing animosity between Fulgencio (Paul Sorvino) and Gloria Capulet (Diane Venora), Ted (Brian Dennehy), and Caroline Montague (Christina Pickles) is shared by the younger generations of both families.

Baz Luhrmann's vibrant and successful retelling of the Shakespeare play was set in "Verona Beach," which appears to be in Miami but was actually filmed at the renowned Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.

The Studio is a premier production facility known for its cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. Originally established in 1945, it has served as a creative hub for both Mexican and international productions over the past 75 years. The studio has churned out renowned productions, including films such as Roma (2018), Coco (2017), and Spectre (2015).

It houses 9 soundstages with capabilities for exterior shooting, two large open lots, and over 6500 m2 of green screen space. Additionally, the studio has modern lighting equipment, makeup rooms, and other amenities that make it an attractive destination for filmmakers seeking an excellent production facility.

The best way to get to C. Atletas 2, Country Club Churubusco in Coyoacán is by car. Head east on Calzada de Tlalpan and take the second left onto Eje 1 Sur Miguel Hidalgo. Take the third right onto C. Atletas and follow it until you reach Country Club Churubusco. Alternatively, take the metro or bus lines which will drop you close to your destination.

Helicopter interception of Montagues and Capulets scene in Romeo + Juliet

Av. Paseo de la Reforma 325, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Benvolio (Dash Mihok), Romeo's (Leonardo DiCaprio) cousin, and Tybalt (John Leguizamo), Juliet's cousin, are the cause of a chaotic firefight between the Montague and Capulet families. After being informed of this third civil brawl, Captain Prince (Vondie Curtis-Hall) sternly warns that any further disturbance will mean dire consequences for both sides.

To add a bit of fun to the mix, the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, located at Av. Paseo de la Reforma 325 in Cuauhtémoc, was cheekily transformed into the Capulet's HQ tower block. On the opposite corner, the Banorte Bank tower became Montague's HQ. This unique building is situated close to the Monument to Revolution and only a few blocks away from central Mexico City.

This modern architectural masterpiece houses a variety of luxury apartments and condominiums, as well as trendy restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. The bustling complex was designed with contemporary elegance in mind, boasting impressive views of the city skyline, innovative design elements such as rooftop terraces and courtyards, and an abundance of natural light that brings warmth to its exquisite interiors.

To get to Av. Paseo de la Reforma 325 in Cuauhtémoc, take the metro bus line which will drop you off close to your destination. From there, head south on Paseo de la Reforma until you reach Calle Tlatoani, then make a left and turn right onto Av. Luis Cabrera. Follow this road most of the way until you reach Calle San Jerónimo Lídice, make a left onto the street, then turn right onto Av. Administrador Vazquez Del Mercado and follow this road for about 1 km until you reach Blvd José Vasconcelos V., finally making a left onto Av. Paseo de la Reforma for about 2 km until you reach your destination.

Romeo meets Juliet for the first time scene in Romeo + Juliet

Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Mexico City, Mexico

Benvolio (Dash Mihok) and Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) hear news of a Capulet party later in the evening, so they plan on crashing it. This is especially exciting for Romeo since his beloved Rosaline is confirmed to be attending. Together with their pal Mercutio (Harold Perrineau), who has tickets to the festivities, and after Romeo takes some ecstasy, they head for the Capulet mansion.

The combination of the drug and the event render Romeo overwhelmed, causing him to go off to find some reprieve in the restroom. There he meets Juliet (Claire Danes), and upon their first glimpse at each other, an instant affection is formed between them, unaware of whom the other truly is. Tybalt (John Leguizamo), however, catches sight of Romeo and swears to take his life for invading his family's abode.

The Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Palace), situated in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City provided the setting where Romeo first sets eyes on Juliet. Constructed over a span of about 60 years, from 1780 to 1840, it served as the summer home for Mexican presidents up until 1940. Today, it's known as the National History Museum.

To get to Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, take the metro Line 1 to Auditorio Station and then exit at El Prado. The park entrance is located just a few blocks from the station. Alternatively, take a bus from Mexico City's main bus station (Terminal Central del Norte) directly to the park entrance.

Tragedy on the beach scene in Romeo + Juliet

94290, Cam. Real 291, Camino Real, 94290 Boca del Río, Ver., Mexico

Tybalt (John Leguizamo) meets up with Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mercutio (Harold Perrineau) at the beach. While Romeo attempts to reconcile, Tybalt violently attacks him, prompting Mercutio to step in and fight back. Just as he is about to deliver a killing strike, Romeo jumps in and blocks his attack. Taking advantage of the distraction, Tybalt strikes Mercutio fatally, who in turn curses both families before passing away.

The tragedy is ignited by the death of Mercutio at 'Sycamore Grove,' a beach resort where the younger members of both families often gather. This picturesque spot is located in Boca del Rio, Veracruz, Mexico, situated on the Gulf of Mexico about 200 miles east of Mexico City. Just for the movie, a ruined theatre proscenium was constructed here.

Boca del Río, an active port city, lies within the Mexican state of Veracruz. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, stunning scenery, and bustling nightlife. The city has long been a major economic and cultural hub in Mexico, with industries such as fishing and tourism being especially prominent.

The best way to get to 94290, Camino Real 291 in Camino Real is by car. Head east on Av. Adolfo López Mateos and take the first left onto Av. División del Norte. Turn right onto Blvd. Enrique Cravioto and follow it until you reach Calle San Martín Asunción. Make a left onto Calle San Martín Asunción and then turn right onto Blvd, Isla Contoy. Follow this road until you get to Camino Real, then turn left onto Calle San Felipe III for about 2 km until you reach 94290, Camino Real 291.

Romeo killing Tybalt scene in Romeo + Juliet

Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Juárez, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

It starts raining after Mercutio’s (Harold Perrineau) death. Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) can’t believe that his best friend is gone forever. Romeo, who was angry, runs after Tybalt (John Leguizamo) as he flees and kills him, seeking revenge for Mercutio's death.

Crying and looking at the statue of Jesus, Romeo shouts desperately. Balthasar (Jesse Bradford) shouts that everybody knows about Tybalt’s death and they should drive away from that place.

Av. Paseo de la Reforma in Juárez is one of Mexico's most famous and iconic streets. Descending from the Cerro de Guadalupe, the Avenue is lined with monuments, statues, and lush gardens as it winds its way through the city center.

Along its path, you'll find some of the city's most renowned attractions including El Ángel de la Independencia, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Museo de Arte Moderno, and several historical homes and buildings. Its wide sidewalks are filled with people walking around exploring all that the vibrant avenue has to offer.

To get to Av. Paseo de la Reforma in Juárez, take the metro or bus lines which will drop you off close to your destination. Alternatively, heading south on Paseo de la Reforma, take the first left onto Calle Tlatoani. Turn right onto Av. Luis Cabrera and follow it until you reach Calle San Jerónimo Lídice. Make a left onto Calle San Jerónimo Lídice, then turn right onto Av. Administrador Vazquez Del Mercado and follow the road until you reach Blvd José Vasconcelos V., then turn left onto Av. Paseo de la Reforma for about 2 km until you reach your destination.

Death of young lovers scene in Romeo + Juliet

C. Gabriel Mancera 415, Col del Valle Centro, Benito Juarez, 03100 Ciudad de México, Mexico

The crowd of onlookers and news reporters watches behind the police line as Romeo's lifeless body is carried away in an ambulance. Just as Juliet (Claire Danes) awakens, Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) has already taken the poison. In her despair, she grabs his gun and takes her own life beside him. Seeing the tragedy that their feuding families have caused, Captain Prince (Vondie Curtis-Hall) speaks harshly to their fathers when they arrive on the scene.

The church where Romeo and Juliet secretly wed and later died together is the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. It is a modern Brutalist-Gothic concrete structure founded in 1663, and it is considered one of the oldest churches in Latin America.

The church was built to honor the Virgin Mary and features an impressive Baroque-style facade with intricate carvings and sculptures. Inside, visitors will find an ornate altar as well as a spectacular dome painting depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe surrounded by angels.

The best way to get to C. Gabriel Mancera 415 in Col del Valle Centro, Benito Juárez is by car. Head south on Paseo de la Reforma and take the first left onto Calle Tlatoani. Turn right onto Av. Luis Cabrera and follow it until you reach Calle San Jerónimo Lídice. Make a left onto Calle San Jerónimo Lídice and then turn right onto Av. Administrador Vazquez Del Mercado. Follow this road until you reach Blvd José Vasconcelos V., then turn left onto C. Gabriel Mancera 415 for about 2 km until you reach your destination.

Conclusion

From the colorful markets of Mexico City to the atmospheric beachfront of Cancun, the vibrant scenery helped lend an extra layer of visual depth to one of literature's most endearing stories. The distinct flavor that these locations gave to the movie allowed viewers to immerse themselves in William Shakespeare's classic tale as if they were part of it themselves.

By bringing together such a wide array of carefully chosen settings, Romeo + Juliet managed to capture both the timelessness and modernity that make this timeless story so special. This underrated adaptation of a classic Shakespearean play has often been met with criticism due to the director's bold cinematography, but he knows when to tone it down during the more emotional scenes, which only serves to further amplify their significance.

Exquisitely choreographed and captured on film, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes give stunning performances, while the filmmakers cleverly modernize the dialogue without losing any of its Elizabethan flare. Creative imagery and double entendres add an extra layer of interest (like sword-shaped guns or money flashes during mentions of gold), making this one of the best movie versions of Shakespeare's plays in recent years.