Step an inch closer to the world of cinema by planning a visit to one of these locations of some of the most iconic movies ever made! By Yagnoseni Das
How many times have we wished to visit a certain place in a certain movie and have made a mental note to visit that place? There is nothing quite like witnessing and experiencing a destination that is a part of your favourite movie. Visiting movie locations like these give you a more nuanced understanding of the production story of that particular movie. These places, often open to visitors are a cinephilic traveller’s dream destinations.
8 locations of some of the most iconic movies that you can visit
Royal Palace Of Caserta (Angels and Demons)
One of the sets of the iconic classic Angels and demons, the palace is one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century. Surrounded by well-manicured gardens and lush woodlands this Italian structure is a stunning architectural masterpiece and is worth visiting.
It is best to arrive at the Palace early in the morning to queue as short as possible, especially in the months of good weather and on weekends/holidays.
Promenade Plantee (Before Sunset)
Do you remember the beautiful gardens Jesse and Celine strolled through after they finished their coffee in Before Sunset? That beautiful garden is the La Promenade Plantée also known as Coulée Verte René-Dumont, an elevated linear park built on top of an obsolete railway infrastructure near Place Bastille in Paris.
Sirmione (Call Me By Your Name)
Call Me By Your Name along with a beautiful cast and plot that gave us major travel goals. Viewers were mesmerised by the stunning Italian countryside and architecture that had an old timely and otherworldly feel to it. This historic town with its Roman ruins, castles, high walled architecture surrounded by the turquoise waters is a visual painted into reality.
Hanapepe Valley, Kauai, Hawaii (Jurassic Park)
Located on the southern side of the island of Kaua, the shots of the densely forested valley that we see when the Jurassic Park cast is in the helicopter flying into Isla Nublar is the Hanapepe Valley. You can take a helicopter tour while you are in Kauai, on which you’ll be able to recognize the spectacular Manawaiopuna Falls. The famous Jurassic Park main gates were constructed at the base of Mount Wai’ale’ale deep in the middle of Kauai. Although the gates have since been removed, there still remain the two poles left standing to mark the famous entrance. You can hike the Waikoko Forest Management Road to walk right to the spot where Jurassic Park was almost opened to the world.
Christ Church College, Oxford, UK (Harry Potter)
Christ Church College in Oxford, England provided locations for several scenes for the Harry Potter scenes such as the great hall, hallways and the entrance where the golden trio first meet Professor McGonagall. There are provisions for a ‘Harry Potter Walking tour’ there, which lets Potterheads roam about the place and learn some interesting facts and stories about the series there.
Matamata, New Zealand (Lord Of The Rings)
One of the most famous movie locations opened to tourists is Matamata. Just two hours away from Auckland lies the farmland Hobbiton that was a set of the movie The Hobbit. There are guided tours around the farm that will let you in on some interesting facts about the shoots and more. And walking through the hobbit holes, meadows, and gardens of Bilbo and Frodo, you will feel as if you have been transported to the universe of LOTR.
Amityville, New York, US (Amityville Horror)
Bringing a little horror into the mix, a famous hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts is the house that inspired the movie Amityville Horror and several other movies and books based on the gruesome murders that took place in it in 1974. This ominous-looking house has been revamped and renovated since, but one cannot mistake it being anything other than the infamous house. This house is a perfect spot that attracts both movie and book enthusiasts as well as people curious about the supernatural and tragedies.
Angkor Thom, Cambodia (Lara Croft)
Angkor Thom, also known as Nokor Thom, is located in present-day Cambodia and was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. Filled with picturesque ruins of the extinct kingdom is a famous stop for tourists worldwide along with being one of the locations for the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. A visit to the Bayon Temple that was featured in the movie is a must. The temple lies within the ancient city’s premises. And upon reaching, one can still witness the stunning towers carved with enigmatic smiling faces.
