One of my favorite ‘Feel Good Movies’ is William Wyler´s Romantic Comedy ‘Roman Holiday (1953).’ About 90% of the scenes where shot on location in Rome, which is extraordinary for a major Hollywood production. I have visited the Eternal City in April 2024 and re-created the whole film! Follow me, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on our trip to the ‘Colosseum,’ the ‘Trevi Fountain,’ the ‘Roman Forum,’ the ‘Spanish Steps,’ the ‘Mouth of Truth’ and much, much more! Godetevi il mio viaggio!
Interlude
Wandering around Rome and searching for streets, alleys and paths where Audrey Hepburn smiled, Gregory Peck laughed or Eddie Albert made jokes is an unforgettable experience for a classic movie fan. The shooting locations are very versatile and not just centered to main touristic spots. In one moment you find yourself at the crowded ‘Piazza del Popolo’ and some minutes later in a dreamy side street nearby Joe´s apartment. It´s also a great city for breaks in between. Just sitting at the nearest Café and sipping on an Espresso or eating Tiramisu before continuing is just great. I encourage all ‘On Location travelers’ to visit Rome´s capital. It has been amazing. They say “All roads lead to Rome.” I might add “All Roman roads lead to the next location.” Enjoy!
Opening Sequence / Piazza San Pietro / Vatican City
The opening title takes over ‘St. Peter´s Square.’ This shot was filmed from the top of ‘St. Peter´s Cathedral.’
The Obelisk is still gracing the center of ‘St Peter´s Square.’ An endless stream of people waited many hours to get into the cathedral.
Opening Sequence / Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
In the background of the continuing credits, a side shot from the ‘Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II’ appears.
I took this photo standing nearby ‘Via dei Fori Imperiali’ walking towards the monument.
Opening Sequence / Castel Sant´Angelo & Tiber
This scenic shot from the castle in St Angelo and the Tiber river was taken from ‘Ponte Umberto I Bridge’ with a far in zoom. ‘St Peter´s Cathedral’ is visible in the background.
A similar shot of ‘Ponte St´Angelo’ but taken in 2024 several decades later.
Opening Sequence / Colosseo / Piazza del Colosseo
The ‘Colosseo’ appears several times in the movie. It´s also part of the opening sequence.
Probably Rome´s most famous spot. A similar perspective of the ‘Colosseo’ in 2024.
Opening Sequence / Foro Romano
A true statement! In the background you can see the ‘Foro Romano.’
The ‘Foro Romano’ near sunset in 2024.
Opening Sequence / Monumento San Francesco d’Assisi & Piazza di Porta San Giovanni
During the opening credits, you can see a shot of the monument. ‘Piazza di Porta San Giovanni’ is also visible.
A sunny Roman day in April 2024. The monument is located in ‘Laterano.’ Approximately a 45 minute walk from the town center.
Opening Sequence / Cattedrale di San Pietro (Copola)
The opening sequence returns to ‘St Peter´s Cathedral.’ This time there´s a focus on the dome.
A recreation through time. Nothing changed in 2024. Just a different time on the clock! 😉
Opening Sequence / Piazza del Popolo
The final shot of the sequence at ‘Piazza del Popolo.’
The lion fountains are still a part of ‘Piazza del Popolo.’
Paramount News Flash / Cattedrale di San Pietro
The movie returns to ‘St Peter´s Cathedral.’ Keep an eye on the fountain at the right.
‘St Peter´s Cathedral’ in April 2024. The fountain is still there!
Embassy (Exterior) / Palazzo Barberini / Via delle Quattro Fontane
The actual story begins! People are gathering outside the embassy to get a glimpse on Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn).
In reality, the embassy entrance is the gate of ‘Palazzo Barberini.’ Cars certainly changed in comparison to the 1950s …
Embassy Ball / Palazzo Brancaccio / Viale del Monte Oppio 7
In the embassy, Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) gives a reception followed by a ball for the international high society.
Now it gets tricky! The interior scenes weren´t shot at ‘Palazzo Barberini.’ It took me some time to find out that ‘Palazzo Brancaccio’ was the original location. There are several rumors in the web that suggest it, but nothing definite. When I was in Rome, I tried to get into the building to solve this mystery. Well, it didn´t work out because nowadays the palace is an event location for well-paying customers. So I “only” have an exterior shot of the gardens.
Back home, I have stumbled over a picture on the webpage of ‘Palazzo Brancaccio.’ If you compare the wall decorations in the shot from the movie with the one from the webpage a big “Ahhh!” will come over your lips! The ball scenes where filmed at ‘Sala Rossa’ inside the building! ‘’
The mystery continues. What about the scenes of Ann´s room in the embassy? Shot at the Palace or recreated in ‘Studio Cinecitta?’ It´s not certain if they re-build the bedroom on studio grounds, but the shots of the ceiling are definitely from a room inside ‘Palazzo Brancaccio.’
Ann wants to escape from her royal prison and climbs outside the window into a freedom without responsibilities …
The front of ‘Palace Brancaccio’ in April 2024. Ann´s room was most likely on the back side and close to the nearby gardens. However, you can clearly see that the stone, window and balcony designs are part of the same building.
Ann wanders through the embassy. Also shot inside of ‘Palazzo Brancaccio.’
Now it´s a question of continuity. My guess for the archway shot, and the moment where Ann is getting on the small van, is studio work.
Ann is leaving the embassy / Palazzo Barberini / Via delle Quattro Fontane
Shortly after the vehicle begins to move a fountain is visible in the background and they drive towards it …
Whether the fountain has been a back rear projection or not isn´t certain. But do you remember the entrance shot of the embassy at ‘Palazzo Barberini’ before cutting to the interiors? In the yard of this building exists a fountain, which looks very similar to the one in the movie …
Where back at ‘Palazzo Barberini!’ Before the van leaves the embassy it has came from a pathway where the actual fountain is located in 2024.
A drive on Roman streets begins. The embassy gets smaller and smaller …
A similar shot from 2024.
I´m pretty sure that the scenes, where Ann is on the van and smiles or waves to people on the streets, is studio work.
Ann Leaves the Van / Piazza della Repubblica
Shortly after that the van drives nearby a large fountain. It´s located at ‘Piazza della Repubblica.’
“The Fountain and Me (2024)” – this could be the name of another blockbuster.
Ann jumps off after passing the fountain …
… and rests at a tree.
The street corner where Ann left the van. But this time in 2024.
There is a tree nearby but to far away for the close range from getting of the van until leaning to the tree. Still a nice touch!
The shooting location of this scene also requires some detective work. After the tree, Ann walks across to the other side of the street. At first we might think she is taking a coach, but in the next moment the princess jumps down again. In the back are two shops called “VINTOLLI CORA” with house number 22 and “pane droghe” with house number 20.
In 2024, there is a bank at this spot … or isn´t? The house number is 70 …
One moment later, the camera pans upwards. There´s light in the window …
I have done the same camera pan in 2024. The lighted window isn´t the same anymore?! This could be another hint that, directly after the tree scene, Wyler ordered a cut and filmed the two previous scenes inside the studio or at an unknown location in Rome.
The male lead Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley and his sidekick Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich appear for the first time. They are having a poker match behind the lighted window. Without any doubt a studio scene.
Ann meets Joe / Foro Romano / Via dell’Arco di Settimio
Joe leaves the game for a stroll. In the back you can see the ‘Arch of Septimus Severus,’ which means he is nearby the ‘Foro Romano.’
The location is at a secluded street called ‘Via dell’Arco di Settimio.’ Nearby you can take great photos of the ‘Foro Romano,’ which I did for the opening sequence shots. By the way, if Joe would have walked from ‘Piazza della Repubblica’ to this place it would take about 22 minutes.
Joe stumbles over a young “intoxicated” woman and tries to help …
In 2024, the small wall near the bottom is gone but the fence is still the same!
Joe´s Apartment / Exteriors / Via Margutta 51
Joe stops a taxi for him and the “very tired” Ann. They drive to ‘Via Margutta 51.’ In the shot you can see the street at night.
One of ‘Roman Holiday´s’ key locations. But this time in April 2024. Number 50 and 51 are under construction …
The car stops in front of number 51. Have a look at the archway, which leads to the yard.
I have waited for the right moment to sneak into the same yard!
In the next scene, Joe and Ann are walking up a stone street towards the apartment.
I couldn´t find the steps showed in the movie. Two possibilities. Studio work. Or they are (or were) behind the closed gate in my picture.
Embassy (Exterior) / Palazzo Barberini / Via delle Quattro Fontane
Now, the director inserted a small scene where the royal staff finds out about the princess disappearance. The entrance gate is visible again. This time with a frontal shot. The staff´s meeting was filmed at ‘Palazzo Brancaccio’ or the studio.
A re-creation of the shot in 2024.
Joe´s Apartment / Clock Tower / nearby Via Margutta 51
The scene with Joe and Ann on a spiral staircase has been filmed at ‘Studio Cinecitta.’ As well as all other interior scenes of Joe´s apartment. After Ann took an “un-princess” shake down on the couch, Joe went outside again for a coffee before he hit the hay too.
Joe is woken up by a powerful ringing of bells. It´s “High Noon” and Ann is still asleep.
I have taken this picture from a hallway inside ‘Via Margutta 51.’ The bell tower in the middle isn´t probably the same (or modified?!), but the bells would certainly be perfect for a wake-up call!
American News Service (Exteriors) / Piazza Colonna
Joe´s boss Mr. Hennessy (Hartley Power) is looking outside his office down to the Plaza below. The interiors of ‘AMERICAN NEWS SERVICE’ where shot at the studio.
In April 2024, one of the upper windows would give a similar view …
… to ‘Piazza Colonna!’ Joe is getting off a taxi with haste. He is (very) late for work …
Same location. Same fountain. This time in 2024.
Joe´s Apartment / Terrace & Yard / Via Margutta 51
Finally Joe finds out that the young woman, still asleep in the apartment, is in fact Princess Ann! She is missing and everyone is looking for her. The journalist senses a story and hurries back. Later they have a chat on the terrace. The tower in the middle is part of the ‘All Saints Anglican Church’ nearby ‘Via Margutta.’
The same terrace with the same fence! It was great feeling to find out that it´s still there.
Ann leaves and Joe watches her. In the back, you can see a nice scenery of ‘Via Margutta 51.’
The whole terrace in April 2024.
The yard towards the entrance passage! There are radical changes at the buildings.
The entrance of ‘Via Margutta 51’ at day in 1953. Check out the yard in the back, which was also characterized by a lot of nature and plants. Similar as in 2024!
Ann Goes Shopping / Via del Lavatore
The movie makes a location jump to ‘Via del Lavatore,’ which is a 15 minute walk from Joe´s Apartment. Ann is loose and goes shopping. Joe follows her.
In 2024, the street is also crowded and still a good place to spent some money.
Trevi Fountain / Piazza di Trevi
Ann approaches the famous ‘Trevi Fountain.’ Have a look at the Drug Store called ‘TORREFAZ.’
A recreation of the same shot in April 2024. Of course, the fountain is there. Also the two angels at the corner. The entrance of the drug store still exists, but it´s now a joint called ‘BAR TREVI.’ That house number remains 50 isn´t surprising. However, the number signs, fixed on the wall, are identical to 1953!
Ann gets near the ‘Trevi Fountain.’ One of Rome´s landmarks.
More crowded than in the movie. I think they cleared the way back then for shooting purposes.
Ann wants a haircut / BARBIERE / Via della Stamperia 85
From ‘Via del Lavatore,’ Ann turns left in front of the fountain into ‘Via della Stamperia.’ A barber attracts her attention. Check out the sign ‘BARBIERE.’
The barber shop at ‘Via della Stamperia 85’ is a clothing shop in 2024.
All interior scenes of ‘BARBIERE’ where probably shot in the studio. The princess gets a new haircut.
The interior of ‘BARBIERE’ in 2024.
Joe peeks inside the barber shop.
Same doorway. Same angle. But several decades later.
A shot from the other side of the ‘Trevi Fountain.’ ‘BARBIERE’ is visible in the back. Joe wants to call his friend and colleague Irving. He´s a photographer …
Similar camera direction. But in 2024.
Trevi Fountain / Piazza di Trevi
The camera crew turns their focus to a particular section of the ‘Trevi Fountain.’
Nearly the same picture as in 1953 with the subtle difference that playing children are missing and we are in 2024 …
Joe tries to get a camera to make picture of the princess getting a haircut. He fails because of an attentive teacher.
Me at the ‘Trevi Fountain’ in April 2024.
Ann & Joe Meet Again / Piazza di Spagna
Next location switch! Ann continues her sightseeing trip through Rome and arrives at ‘The Spanish Steps.’ In the middle you can see ‘Trinità dei Monti.’
I tried my best to re-create the shot in April 2024.
The movie zooms in …
… and me too.
Ann has a look on ‘Fontana della Barcaccia’ in front of the steps.
‘Fontana della Barcaccia’ in April 2024.
Next stop? Ice cream!
The spot where the ice cream wagon was in 1953 …
Ann talks to a florist nearby the ‘Spanish Steps.’
Not at the exact same spot. But there is a flower selling booth nearby the steps in 2024.
Princess Ann enjoys the sun and ice cream on the ‘Spanish Steps.’
There´s a funny story leading to this picture. At first I couldn´t find an ice cream joint nearby the ‘Spanish Steps,’ which sounds unrealistic. But it´s true! So I walked a bit and found one in a side street. Somehow I have ordered a big one and rushed back to the stairs. The Italian sun wasn´t on my side that day as the “Gelato” began to leak very quickly. Finally I made it! Shot! Only some seconds later the Roman Police informed me that ice cream isn´t allowed on the steps. Well, mission accomplished! 🙂
Joe “randomly” bumps into Ann at the Steps.
The exact same spot. But in April 2024.
Café ROCCA / Pantheon / Piazza della Rotonda
Joe persuades Ann to a round trip through Rome. First stop, ‘Café ROCCA’ nearby the ‘Pantheon.’
The columns of the ‘Pantheon’ in 2024.
A princess is used to drinking champagne at lunch time. Joe pays …
In 2024, the clothing chain ‘REPLAY’ has occupied the shooting location of ‘Café ROCCA.’
The first cigarette of a princess! Irving joins the crew with a camera hidden in a lighter …
The Royal Agents Arrive / Aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino
The movie makes a cut to a short sequence, where Ann´s parents and an armada of Royal agents arrive at the Roman ‘Airport Fiumicino.’
The runway in 2024.
Vespa Ride / Via del Teatro di Marcello
In the next scene the legendary ‘Vespa Ride’ starts. Some might think it´s the ‘Colosseum’ but that´s wrong. Ann and Joe are passing ‘Marcellus Theater’ beside the namesake road ‘Via del Teatro di Marcello.’
The ‘Marcellus Theater’ in April 2024.
One of the movies most famous shots. Ann and Joe on a Vespa. In the back you can see the ‘Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II,’ which was also part of the opening sequence.
A close up of ‘Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II’ with a similar camera angle.
Vespa Ride / Colosseo (Street View) / Via dei Fori Imperialli
They approach the ‘Colosseo’ from ‘Via dei Fori Imperialli.’
Beside some protection fences (construction work) not much has changed in April 2024.
Ann, Joe and Irving are visiting the Colosseo / Piazza del Colosseo
Joe, Irving and Ann inside the ‘Colosseo.’
On my trip, I haven´t been inside the ‘Colosseo.’ If you want some advice book an entrance ticket in advance 😉 Therefore enjoy my exterior shot.
Irving gives Joe the smart eye before making another picture of Ann with his hidden lighter camera.
No comment on that one 😉
Vespa Ride / Piazza Venezia
The ride continues! Next stop ‘Piazza Venezia’ with ‘Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.’
Me at the monument on my arrival day in April 2024.
After a wild goose chase the Vespa passes the monument again.
The same spot at night in April 2024.
Vespa Ride / Piazza del Campidoglio (Street View)
They pass ‘Piazza del Campidoglio’ with high speed.
In April 2024, ‘Piazza del Campidoglio’ was one of the most relaxing places of my holiday. Why? I´ll visualize it at the end of this post.
Captured by the Police / Unità Organizzativa Attività Commerciali su aree pubbliche / Via dei Cerchi 16
Finally the trio gets captured by the police. Joe talks their way out of it. “Just married …”
The entrance of the movie´s police station was closed in 2024, which means no interior shots.
Irving, Ann and Joe have a chat about lying in front of the building and the left guy in the jeep looks like Charlie Chaplin …
I have taken a picture from the same spot. Check out the buildings for comparison.
The three walk down the stairs towards the next location. They are missing two additional sightseeing spots in the back. ‘Tempio di Ercole Vincitore’ and ‘Fontana dei Tritoni’ at the ‘Piazza Bocca della Verità.’
Two pieces of Roman architecture. This time in 2024.
Mouth of Truth / Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
As mentioned in the movie, the next location is literally just around the corner. Ann tries to put her hand into the ‘Mouth of Truth.’
Me at the ‘Mouth of Truth’ in April 2024.
Wall of Wishes / Viale del Policlinico
Now, they jump into Irving´s “big” car and drive to another interesting place called the ‘Wall of Wishes.’
This should be very close to the position where the car parked at ‘Viale del Policlinico.’
On the ‘Wall of Wishes,’ relatives of victims of the Second World War have placed wish boards. Over time, the boards got more and more. Ann is impressed.
In April 2024 the wall is still there. But the boards are gone.
A beautiful close up of Ann aka Audrey Hepburn at the ‘Wall of Wishes.’
They leave the wall with a smile.
A similar perspective of the wall in April 2024.
Dancing at Sant´Angelo / Castel Sant´Angelo / Tiber
Joe and Ann have a date nearby the ‘Tiber.’ The bridge in the back leads to ‘Castel Sant´Angelo.’
A recreation of the stair shot in 2024.
A romantic scenery at the ‘Tiber.’ Time to dance!
No boat for dancing and an excavator on the river bank. All other details are pretty constant in comparison to the 1953 shot.
However not far from the original shooting location is a place which would fit!
Two Legends in Rome. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are very close on a boat at the ‘Tiber’ in ‘Roman Holiday (1953).’
The Royal Agents look for the missing Princess all over Rome and approach from ‘Castel Sant´Angelo’ in their cars.
Me at the bridge in April 2024.
A shot from the top of the stairs. The agent walk down towards the boat.
A recreation of the shot in 2024. The branches of a tree hide the view a bit.
A shot of the steps with a different camera angle. The agents try to “escort” the princess save home. She refuses and a fight starts.
No agents. Same steps. And a lot of amateur graffiti.
“Hit´em again Smitty!”
In a cut to the bridge, the Italian police joins the party. Keep an eye on the big column.
A low angle shot of the scenery. The column visible in the movie is the one on the right.
After the fight, Ann and Joe escape with a “bit” of swimming.
In these waters, Hepburn and Peck have swum to cinematic glory.
The Kiss / Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II / Tiber
They step outside the water at the riverbank nearby another bridge called ‘Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II.’
‘Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II’ in April 2024. A bridge with large arches.
They sit nearby the river and begin to laugh wholeheartedly.
The kiss …
… and the moment after.
Somewhere near this place, the previous shots have been filmed in the 1950s.
Palazzo Barberini / Ann says Goodbye / Via delle Quattro Fontane
After some interior scenes inside Joe´s apartment (studio), he drives Ann back to the embassy to her royal duties. Once again we return to ‘Palazzo Barberini.’
Another shot of ‘Palazzo Barberini’ in April 2024.
Palazzo Colonna / Press Conference & Final Scene / Via Della Pilotta, 17
Joe and Irving attend a press conference held by Princess Ann. She still hasn´t any idea that they knew, right from the start, who she really is. This shot and the following where filmed in the ‘Sala Grande Galleria’ at ‘Palazzo Colonna.’ Remember the plaza with the fountain nearby the fictitious American News Service office? This is just around the corner from the palace.
The stunning ‘Grande Galleria’ at ‘Palazzo Colonna’ in April 2024.
Ann enters the gallery from an entrance on the left.
The entrance is still graced with the same chandelier.
Joe, Irving and the other people of the press.
The ‘Press Gathering Area (:P)’ in April 2024.
A nice shot of Princess Ann and the gallery´s ceiling.
The painting at the ceiling is really something. Even today. If I´m not mistaken the picture shows Zeus banishing his destructive son Ares from the Olympus.
Farewell …
… again.
An iconic final shot! Joe walks towards the exit and each step echoes in the monumental hall.
Ciao Roma!
Conclusive Thoughts
Bringing ‘On Location Traveling’ to the next level has been my goal when arriving at ‘Fiumicino Airport.’ Not just visiting the main spots everybody knows but to re-create the whole movie decades later. I think it has been a success! Sure, a project like this is not possible for every on location based movie. But ‘Roman Holiday (1953)’ is just perfect for it. Nearly all locations are very central and it´s convenient to combine many of them day by day. As usual I encourage every movie fan to do it also. A slight warning in advance. The planning upfront is the key! 😉 Rome! What a city! I´ll come back for sure!
Additional pictures from my trip to Rome
Some trees with bitter oranges.
A magical place on one of Rome´s hills. In the far back you can see ‘St Peter´s Basilica.’
Probably the most relaxing place in Rome. ‘Piazza del Campidoglio’ close to sunset.
The ‘Colosseo’ by night.
I haven´t pre-ordered a ticket to get inside. But any cat can enjoy a free entrance at the ‘Colosseo?’ Not fair 🙁
A painting of Princess Ann inside ‘Palazzo Colonna’ 😛
Cheers! Minimizing walking distance is the key for successful ‘On Location Traveling’ …
Welcome to Alexandria! … Wait! … What? … That´s the ‘Cestius Pyramid’ at ‘Via Ostiensis.’
Thanks for reading.
What do you think about this post?
Please share your thoughts and ask questions in the comment section below, write an E-Mail to marcel@classicmovieratings.com or follow Classic Movie Ratings on ‘Instagram,’ ‘X’ and ‘Facebook.’
