Famous European Movie Locations
Nothing is more relaxing than putting our feet up while watching one of our favourite movies. People often wonder where these movies are set and did you know that many of them were filmed in locations throughout Europe?
There is a certain excitement about visiting a movie location. Maybe it’s the thought of turning television fantasy into a reality. Or, it could be that these films serve as an inspiration to visit some of Europe’s most famous destinations. Europe is full of beautiful scenery and amazing architecture which film makers often take in to consideration when selecting a new filming location. Either way, what does become apparent is that these film sets were not chosen by accident.
Perhaps you are inspired to visit the sets of some of the world’s biggest films? If you are, then pack your passport, don’t forget your EHIC Renewal and pay a visit to some of these iconic movie locations:
Salzburg – Austria
Sound of Music
Salzburg is the birthplace of the composer Mozart. These days, however, it is more famous for being the setting of The Sound of Music. An Oscar-winning musical, the Sound of Music is most well-known for its opening scene where Julie Andrews twirls around a meadow (known as Mehlweg in real life) singing ‘The hills are alive with the sound of music’. Research has found that over around seventy percent of Salzburg’s tourists visit the city because of the popularity of the Sound of Music Film.
Sicily – Italy
The Godfather
The gangster film the Godfather was heavily influenced by the acts of the notorious Sicilian Mafia. Upon visiting the island, you will be instantly transported on to a real life set of the classic film. The Sicilian town of Corleone is where the fictional Corleone crime family come from. However, many of the defining moments of the film were shot in Savoca. This includes the church, in Savoca, where Michael and Apollonia were married.
London – England
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
J.K. Rowling’s sensational Harry Potter series firsts sees the young wizard make his debut in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In both the book and the film adaptation, Harry must board the Hogwarts Express in order to reach the wizarding school. The express departs from the fictional Platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross Station. Many people have tried to reach the platform in real life by running through the wall, just like in the film, but to no avail.
Skiathos and Skopelos Islands – Greece
Mamma Mia
Greece’s Skiathos and Skopelos Islands are home to many famous backdrops from scenes out of the musical Mamma Mia. The film itself starred some of Hollywood’s biggest names of the time. The Agios Ioannis clifftop chapel, in Skopelos, is famous for being the chapel where many of the wedding scenes, from the film, took place. The islands, particularly Skiathos, will instantly make you fall in love with the film again. Especially with their beautiful sandy beaches and warm temperatures.