Rome for me was love at first sight on a soft and magical December. A city where anyone can feel at home, or at least very welcome. An open art gallery of the past, where every turn has the potential to captivate you. I stayed in Rome for about a week to present as an entrepreneur at the Rome MED ’19 conference. During those days, in addition to the conference, my goal was to visit all the locations where “Roman Holiday” was filmed with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
For those who don’t know, this William Wyler film was shot in Rome in the ’50s and won three Oscars. One of them went to Audrey Hepburn for Best Actress. Princess Ann was her first film role, while Gregory Peck was one of the stars of the moment. During the filming, he insisted that Audrey be introduced as his equal before the film title. When his agent told him he couldn’t do it, he said, “Oh yes I can. And if I don’t, I’m going to make a fool out of myself because this girl is going to win an Oscar in her very first performance.” (Slashfilm, 2022) And that’s what happened. This iconic film has inspired many others, but no one has managed to surpass its magic under the performance of Audrey Hepburn.
The film shows a day in the life of a young princess. Tired of royal life, Princess Anne escapes from her country’s embassy in Italy. By chance, she encaunters Joe Bradley, a journalist who initially sees her as an opportunity to make some profit, but then becomes fascinated by her. Together, they experience an unforgettable day in the streets of Rome, only for the princess to return to her duties again. She was a princess, but after that day she became an independent woman and a future leader. A sweet and melancholic story, just as Rome itself.
If you were to wander aimlessly through Rome’s old town, you would come across many of the monuments and squares where the film was shot, and much more. As Ann walks through Rome, we see the soul of the city, the ordinary people: a barber, a florist and many others like them. Meanwhile, the surrounding architecture is impressive, in every corner of the city.
The first outdoor scene, where Ann meets Joe Bradley, is in:
1. Roman Forum
The evening at the Roman Forum is still magical today. A magnificent mosaic of ruins that tell the stories of emperors, triumphs, and speeches that changed the world. At dusk, as the golden light caresses the ruins, the Forum is transformed into a poetic scene where the past and the present coexist in harmony.
2. Trevi Fountain
During the afternoon, Ann decides to walk alone and experience simple moments in Rome, passing by the Trevi Fountain. A dream carved in marble, a symbol of the city. According to tradition, a coin thrown over the shoulder promises a return to Rome.
3. Spanish Steps
Here, Ann sits down to enjoy an ice cream. The Spanish Steps connects Piazza Spagna with Via Condotti, the fashion street. Regardless of the time, this is the place where Rome invites you to sit down and feel part of its eternal magic.
4. Pantheon
Another scene in the film takes place in a café near the Pantheon. One of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome, originally a pagan temple and later transformed into a church. It was rebuilt around 126 AD and has stood for almost two thousand years.
5. Colosseum
Of course, the Colosseum could not be missed. The largest amphitheater ever built, it was inaugurated in 80 AD. With a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators, it was the center of entertainment in ancient Rome and remains one of the most magnificent symbols of Roman history and architecture.
6. Vittoriano
While riding the iconic Vespa, the film also features the “Vittoriano”. A magnificent monument dedicated to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, which houses the Museum of the Risorgimento and tells the story of Italian unification. Although today it is one of the most iconic monuments in Rome, its architectural contrast with the surrounding environment has made it the subject of debate.
7. Mouth of Truth
This place has become the symbol of the film. Mouth of Truth is a disc-shaped sculpture in the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. According to legend, anyone who puts their hand in the mouth and tells a lie risks losing it. It was precisely “Roman Holiday” that increased the popularity of this place among visitors of Rome.
8. Wall of Wishes
The next scene takes us to the Wall of Wishes, on Via Luigi Petroselli opposite the Temple of Vesta. A place where people left messages and their wishes. Today it is no longer there and has been moved inside the Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore.
9. Castel Sant’Angelo
The film’s most comical and climactic scene takes place near Ponte Sant’Angelo, with Castel Sant’Angelo as its backdrop. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, the castle has served as a fortress, prison, and papal residence. Today, this majestic castle offers stunning views over the city and the Tiber River.
Rome captivated me, as it did Princess Anne. Everyone would love a few moments in the eternal city. Every alley invites you to get lost in history, while every monument reminds you of the past glory.
