Verona’s romantic charm and great historical heritage have been the inspiration for many films. Verona is known for being the setting for the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet and offers enchanting places that won the attention of film directors from all over the world.

Here is an overview of the most iconic films that have chosen Verona and its surroundings as a backdrop, celebrating its beauty and unique character.

Romeo and Juliet: eternal love within the walls of Verona

When writing about films set in Verona it’s impossible not to mention the numerous cinematic transpositions of Romeo and Juliet, the Shakespearean drama set in our city.

Among the most famous versions is that by Franco Zeffirelli (1968), which captures the Renaissance atmosphere of Verona, despite having been filmed mainly in other Italian locations such as Gubbio and Pienza.

Another iconic version is William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996), directed by Baz Luhrmann, which brings the story into a modern context. Although the film was shot mainly in Mexico, its inspiration is deeply linked to Shakespeare’s Verona. The city continues to be a pilgrimage destination for fans of this immortal love story, attracted by Juliet’s House and the famous balcony.

Among the older versions of the tragedy is Romeo and Juliet (1912), an Italian silent film by Ugo Falena shot right in the alleys and squares of Verona. This adaptation represents one of the first attempts to bring the authentic atmosphere of the city to the screen.

Sins of Rome, Story of Spartacus (1953)

The protagonist of Sins of Rome, Story of Spartacus, an Italian-French co-production from 1953, is the legendary Spartacus, the gladiator symbol of the rebellion against Roman oppression. Directed by maestro Riccardo Freda, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Massimo Girotti, Ludmilla Tchérina, Yves Vincent and Carlo Ninchi.

Spartacus is a Roman soldier enslaved and forced to fight in the arena. Determined to challenge the system that imprisoned him, he becomes the leader of a revolt for the freedom of all slaves.

The film, a milestone in Italian epic cinema, combines action, passion and drama, giving an intense portrayal of an immortal hero. The duels between gladiators, in which Darix Togni also performed, were filmed in the Verona Arena.

Letters to Juliet (2010): a tribute to the city of love

Letters to Juliet, directed by Gary Winick, is one of the most famous films set entirely in Verona. The film tells the story of Sophie, a young American woman who discovers an undelivered love letter and decides to answer it.

The film explores the tradition of Juliet correspondence, a custom still in use today that sees thousands of people sending love letters to Shakespeare’s famous heroine, then receiving replies from Juliet’s Club.

The shots show some of the most evocative places in Verona, including Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe and the romantic Ponte Pietra. The film continues in the Tuscan countryside, but the connection with Verona remains central to its narrative.

A cameo in The Italian Job (2003)

Although most of the film The Italian Job is set between Los Angeles and Venice, Verona’s picturesque streets briefly appear in some action scenes that grasp the charm of its historic architecture.

Curiosity: the surroundings of Verona on the set

In addition to the city itself, the surroundings of Verona also offer highly sought-after film settings. Lake Garda has been the protagonist of films such as Sissi (1955), with Romy Schneider, which tells the story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.