Discover The Most Stunning Filming Locations In Sicily

Rich in history, culture and architecture, Sicily is a wonderful backdrop and hub for filming. Many notable films and television series have been shot here with the warm Mediterranean climate and stunning historical locations, it’s easy to see why directors and filmmakers flock to Sicily. From big blockbusters to television shows and small independent films, the filmography list for Sicily stretches back decades. 

what has been filmed in sicily?

Savoca, Sicily

indiana jones and the dial of destiny (2023) - Syracuse, Cefalù

Indiana Jones is a world-famous franchise and began development by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg in 1973. The film depicts the adventures of Dr. Henry Walton ‘Indiana Jones’ as he explores various mysteries around the globe. The success of the first film, ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ in 1981 has spawned a franchise of films, with the latest being the 2023 hit. This film is set in 1969 and follows Jones and his estranged goddaughter, Helena, as they are trying to locate a powerful artifact, before Dr. Jürgen Voller, a Nazi-turned-NASA scientist, who plans to use it to alter the outcome of World War II.

where was 'indiana jones and the dial of destiny' filmed?

Sicily was set as the backdrop for a great number of scenes in the film. The Ear of Dionysius is a limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill in Syracuse and was specifically noted in the screenplay to be used for the large cave where Indiana and Helena enter Archimedes’ Tomb. This is where the duo find the coveted second piece of the Dial. This cave was originally a water storage facility for Syracuse during the Greek Roman era where the tyrant Dionysius used as a prison and would secretly listen to what the prisoners said about him as the acoustics of the cave were chillingly perfect. The unique shape of the entrance to the cave, along with its history of the tyrant ‘Dionysius I of Syracuse’, gives it it’s iconic name.

Also used in the film is Tonnara del Secco, an abandoned tuna factory and farm on the coast. There is a thousand years of history throughout the ruins of the ancient buildings, and the location overlooks the shimmering sea. Shallow pools along the rocky coast make a fantastic swimming spot, with the majestic mountains making a wonderful backdrop for the abandoned Tonnara. 

During the film, we see the ‘real’ siege of Syracuse by the Romans in the 3^rd century BC. The warring armies shoot down the plane that the duo are in, believing it to be a dragon. Maniace Castle is situated in Syracuse  at the far point of Ortigia Island. Constructed by Emperor Frederick II from 1232 for 8 years, it has been restored multiple times over the centuries, without losing its original charm. It has had a long history of renovations, even enduring harsh weather conditions, and this can be seen throughout its architecture and rugged terrain. 

Some locations borrowed other parts of Sicily, as not all scenes set in Syracuse were filmed there. Segesta and Cefalù were used when it came to shooting some of the historical centre of Syracuse. The archaeological park looks different from what is shown in the film, and the temple from Segesta is visible in some scenes. In Cefalù, filming locations included the marina, and the beach of Lungomare. The streets and buildings were modified for the 1960s era of the film, but if you were to head down to the promenade today, you would find everything in its original authentic Sicilian style. 

Cefalù Marina

The leopard (2025) - palermo, catania, syracuse & ortigia

Originally a film adapted in 1963 (also filmed in Sicily) from the famous novel written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa in 1958. The story follows a theme about the vanishing world of aristocracy in Sicily. Many fans of the original film were anticipating this recent adaption of The Leopard being turned into a television mini-series from the original film format.

This television miniseries is set in Sicily during the turmoil of the Risogimento in 1860 (the unification of Italy). A 19^th century Sicilian aristocratic family gets caught up in the changing socio political times. The Prince of Salina, Don Fabrizio, reigns over his family and his possessions, convinced that the disorder is going to pass. He cannot grasp the idealism of young people like his nephew Tancredi who risks his life by joining the rebels, or the ambitions of men like Sedara, a vulgar man who panders to the power of the mafia criminal organisations and intends to use his beautiful daughter to get what he wants. However, Don Fabrizio’s own daughter Concetta, who shares his intelligence and foresight, may be subjected to the same fate to ensue the survival of the power and name of the lineage. 

where was 'the leopard' filmed?

There were many stunning filming locations throughout the series. Episode 1 opens with the city of Palermo. The city’s capital has a lot to offer, with its rich history and culture going back thousands of years. The city has witnessed many civilisations come and go, each leaving their own individual mark. There are several historical points of interest including the cathedral, Palace of the Normans, Massimo theatre and Politeama theatre and Pretoria Square. Scenes were filmed in the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, as the main character Don Fabrizio arrives to visit his daughter. 

Catania was used for the Palazzo Biscari’s ballroom for several scenes in Episode 2, including the setting for Palermo’s liberation ball. The ballroom is an 18^th century marvel, flourishing with its spectacular furnishings and delicate attention to detail in the marble and artwork that surrounds the room. Ortigia and Syracuse still contain the oldest buildings, and in the series the main square in Ortigia, Piazza Duomo, was used for filming scenes in the fictional country town ‘Donnafugata’ where the Salina family retreats from their main home in the capital. The Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, a grand urban palace on the Piazza Duomo, is one of the most famous buildings in the city and was used for the exterior of the Salina palace in ‘Donnafugata’.

Piazza Duomo, Ortigia

aquaman (2018) - erice

This 2018 blockbuster follows the half human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry take his rightful place as the King of Atlantis and prevent large-scale conflict from breaking out between the underwater kingdom and the surface world. Though a large majority of this film was set underwater, the scenes set on land are just as interesting and unique. 

WHERE WAS 'AQUAMAN' FILMED?

One lengthy scene was filmed in Sicily, in the small hilltop town of Erice. As Aquaman and his partner, Mera, explore ruins to find an important mystical trident. They encounter ‘Black Manta’ who begins to fight Aquaman for the trident. In the film, the Sicilian costal is computer generated, however, it strikingly resembles the town of Erice. The typical Sicilian style buildings and even copies of buildings themselves are seen in this scene – albeit a slightly different place. 

The town of Erice is situated in a unique area on a hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west of Sicily. Medieval streets and ancient stone buildings with winding narrow streets show off this town’s multifaceted history. There are two castles in Erice - Pepoli Castle built by the Arabs, and Venus Castle built by the Normans. The two are a stark contrast of each other and each equally worth a visit. Chiesa Madre, built in 1314, is a gothic church with gorgeous archaic architectural details. On a beautiful clear sky day, the Egadi Islands off the coast of Trapani are visible, providing wonderful panoramic views across the town, bay and beyond.