Where was The Passion of the Christ filmed?
2004
City Locations
Matera, Rome (Italy)
Location Types
Film Studio, Museum
Location Styles
Foreign, Greek/Neoclassical, Mediterranean, Dilapidated/Neglected, Rustic
About The Passion of the Christ
The Passion of the Christ, a 2004 cinematic masterpiece produced by Mel Gibson, depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life in a deeply moving manner. Jim Caviezel stars as Jesus of Nazareth in this American epic historical drama. Monica Bellucci plays Mary Magdalene, and Maia Morgenstern plays Jesus’ mother, Mary.
Filmed primarily in Italy and presented in an accurate manner in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, this theatrical rendering brings to life the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. Despite mixed reviews, the film's profound spiritual themes and impressive cinematography resonated with viewers around the world, propelling it to become the highest-grossing Christian film of all time, earning an astounding $612 million globally.
Crucial events in Jesus' life, such as the Last Supper and The Sermon on the Mount, are delicately woven into the plot, which includes scenes from the agony in the Garden of Olives, Judas Iscariot's betrayal, the scourging at the Pillar, and the crucifixion.
Esteemed by many, the film garnered several awards, including the National Board of Review's Freedom of Expression award, the People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture Drama, and the Satellite Award for Best Director. It was also recognized for its extraordinary sound editing, music, and makeup.
Nominated for three accolades at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, the film's extraordinary original orchestral score by John Debney also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Music Score, while two Dove Awards were won for the film soundtrack and the inspirational songs it birthed.
The Passion of the Christ Locations
The Passion of the Christ was predominantly filmed in Italy. Most scenes were filmed on the backlot at Cinecitta studios in Rome, while the grander views, such as the crucifixion, were filmed near Matera. This isolated southern area in Basilicata, the heel of Italy's boot, is renowned for its distinctive terrain and historical importance.
Several sequences occurred in Matera, an ancient city famous for its peculiar cave houses called "sassi," carved out of soft volcanic tufa rock. The inside of these seemingly typical homes resembled a dark cave with dirt floors, where families used to reside alongside their cattle. About 15,000 people were forced to leave the sassi when the Italian government declared them uninhabitable in 1952 due to poor living conditions. However, in the 1980s, a small group returned to Matera and restored these old cave houses.
The Last Supper and other scenes were filmed in San Nicola dei Greci, a church constructed of stone. Sasso Caveoso, an ancient derelict area, was the setting for the cross procession as it wound its way down steep passageways. The city has also appeared in other films, such as Patty Jenkins' 2017 Wonder Woman, Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel According to Matthew, and Bruce Beresford's David.
It would be an enriching experience to visit the sites where The Passion of the Christ was filmed. Modern lodging and dining options abound in Matera, which is presently undergoing a renaissance. Plus, just 20 miles south of here is the desolate medieval town of Craco, where Judas committed suicide, so your journey will be even more historically intriguing.
The region has a reputation for being so desolate that not even Christ would go there (a claim made by Mussolini's exiled writer Carlo Levi), yet its beautiful scenery and fascinating history make it a must-visit for history and cinema buffs.
The Last Supper scene in The Passion of the Christ
Complesso Rupestre Madonna delle Virtù e San Nicola dei Greci - Sassi, Via Madonna delle Virtù, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
The film commences in the middle of the narrative at Gethsemane. It's the middle of the night, several hours past the Last Supper. Jesus is depicted in fervent prayer, grappling with Satan's (Rosalinda Celentano) temptations, while his apostles—Peter (Francesco De Vito), James (Chokri Ben Zagden), and John (Christo Jivkov)—slumber unsuspectingly.
The filming of the Last Supper took place in the rock church of San Nicola dei Greci, while the procession of the cross was shot in the steep alleyways of Sasso Caveoso, the abandoned older section of Matera.
The church, reached via a narrow staircase from the passageway linking the Monastery to the Church of Madonna delle Virtù, is oriented towards the east. It features distinct elements of the Byzantine liturgy, including a single nave for congregants, separated by an iconostasis from the area reserved for the clergy. There are two aisles leading to presbyterial apses. Also visible is the ambo, carved out of the adjoining rock on the left side of what remains of the church.
To visit this historical location, fly into Bari International Airport and take a shuttle bus or train to Matera. Once in the city, you can hire a local guide or join a tour to explore the Sassi di Matera and visit the specific filming locations. The site is open to tourists and provides a unique glimpse into the past, as well as into the making of this iconic film.
The Jewish temple scene in The Passion of the Christ
Matera, 75100 Province of Matera, Italy
This stirring scene unfolds as Jesus is arrested and severely beaten by the temple guards on the way back to Jerusalem. John rushes to inform Mary, Jesus' mother, and Mary Magdalene about the arrest. Peter follows Jesus from a distance. At the Jewish temple, the high priest Caiaphas (Mattia Sbragia) initiates a trial against Jesus despite objections from some priests who are expelled from the court.
Wide landscape shots, including those of the crucifixion, were filmed in and around Matera, located in the remote southern region of Basilicata, at the heel of Italy's boot. Matera is perched on a rocky outcrop and is renowned for the Sassi area, a network of cave dwellings on the mountainside.
The Sassi was evacuated in 1952 due to inadequate living conditions but has since been transformed into a range of museums like the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, which showcases period furniture and artisan tools. The area also boasts rock churches such as St. Lucia alle Malve, adorned with 13th-century frescoes.
To reach Matera, you can fly into the nearby airport in Bari and then take a shuttle bus or train to the city. Additionally, the road from Bari will take almost an hour via SS96. Once there, film fans can explore the city and take tours of the filming locations. The city is open to the public, immersing visitors in its rich history and cinematic legacy.
The demands of the crowd scene in The Passion of the Christ
Cinecittà Studios, Via Tuscolana, 1055, 00173 Roma RM, Italy
Pontius Pilate (Hristo Naumov Shopov), the Roman governor, offers to chastise Jesus for heresy and then set him free. He presents the assembled crowd with a choice: to free Jesus or the violent criminal Barabbas. However, to Pilate's consternation, the fervently religious crowd demands Barabbas' freedom and Jesus' execution.
This emotionally intense scene was captured at Cinecitta Studios in Rome, founded in 1937 by Benito Mussolini, his son Vittorio, and Luigi Freddi after the previous Cines film studio was destroyed by fire. They envisioned these studios as a hub where the Italian film industry could thrive. Over the years, Cinecitta Studios has been the filming location for numerous acclaimed films, including Ben Hur, A Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra, Gangs of New York, and others.
Besides visiting the exhibition areas, you can also take a tour of the studio in English or Italian yourself, which will give you a good understanding of everything that has happened in the studios. The guide will show you the studios and two outside sets.
Jesus is crucified on the mountaintop scene in The Passion of the Christ
Contrada Murgia Timone, 75100 Matera, Province of Matera, Italy
Jesus is crucified on a hill known as Golgotha, Aramaic for “Hill of Skulls,” located outside Jerusalem. His wrists and feet are nailed to the cross, and he is subjected to mockery from one of the criminals crucified alongside him, who taunts him for his current state of helplessness.
This iconic scene was filmed at Contrada Murgia Timone, near Matera in Italy. Matera is globally renowned for its ancient town, the Sassi di Matera. Historical records indicate that the city was established by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and was christened Matheola in honor of the consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus.
Strolling through the narrow lanes of the Sassi di Matera is a memory you won't easily forget. However, another must-see spot offers a different perspective of this ancient city: the Belvedere Murgia Timone viewpoint. Located on the other side of the gorge facing the village, this observation deck provides a breathtaking view of the city.
To reach this location, you can fly into Bari Internationaal Airport, approximately 40 miles from Matera. You can take a shuttle bus or train from the airport to Matera. Once in the city, you can hire a local guide or join a tour to explore the Sassi di Matera and discover the exact filming locations.
Conclusion
In keeping with its title, the film The Passion of the Christ delivers a powerful and moving spiritual experience. The narrative is infused with a raw and compelling realism as it shows events truthfully, in their historical context.
Actors in the film give riveting performances, completely committing to their parts. The circumstances leading up to Christ's crucifixion are vividly and uncompromisingly depicted in the script.
The film was predominantly shot in Italy. Many scenes were filmed on the backlot at Cinecitta studios in Rome, while others, including the crucifixion scene, were filmed near Matera.
In terms of its contribution to the movie industry, The Passion of the Christ departs from sanitized representations of biblical stories, instead offering a raw, visceral depiction of Christ's final hours. It's an audacious and daring filmmaking effort that tests audiences and makes them think.
Any cinephile, religious person, or historical buff would benefit from seeing the film. Furthermore, seeing the film's filming locales in Italy, particularly Matera, provides an enthralling view into the regions that served as the backdrop for this gripping story.