If you’re a film lover in Rome, a visit to Cinecittà is a must. Built by Mussolini in 1937, the studio has long shed its fascist ways (save for an eagle at the base of the flagpole), becoming one of the longest running and largest film studios in Europe. Great directors have worked here, most notably Federico Fellini for the production of his classics La Dolce Vita and Satyricon. More recently, the studio was used for the filming of Martin Scorsese’s The Gangs of New York, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and HBO’s television series Rome, in which a multi-million dollar set was produced (photos below). Located along the Metro’s Linea A, reaching the expansive movie studio via public transit is really easy.
Five tips for visiting Cinecittà
1. You can’t visit the sets without a guided tour, and the guided tour is only in Italian.
I decided to test my Italian comphrehension by opting for the guided tour, as I didn’t come all the way here just to check out Cinecittà ‘s Si Mostra film exhibit. The guide, Francesca, spoke clearly and loudly, so I was able to understand most of what she said (phew), but, honestly, if I didn’t understand Italian, it would have been a great tour anyway. Taking guests through the sets of Gangs of New York, Rome, Romeo and Juliet and more, you simply need to love film to appreciate the surroundings. Be sure to touch the sets to get a sense of the falseness of it all. And if you have questions, they are more than happy to respond in English.
2. Save two euros (and the environment) by taking the Metro.
Hold on to that Metro ticket because you save two euros off the guided tour price (18€ instead of 20€; price for just the exhibit is 11,50€ at the time of this post; family rates available for both). The Metro stop is directly in front of the studio, so there’s no chance of losing your way.
3. It’s more meaningful if you read up on Cinecittà before visiting.
As a lover of Italian films, even I was lost when it came to many of the classics I hadn’t yet seen. Several of the sets are also used for Italian television shows, of which I am not at all familiar. Reading up on the history of the studio, and the films and shows produced here, makes the tour much more meaningful (especially important if you don’t understand Italian, as you’ll be able to pick out phrases from the guide – ‘Gangs of New York’ in Italian is still ‘Gangs of New York’).
4. Your time spent at Cinecittà can range from an hour to three.
The guided tour lasts about an hour. The exhibits can take 45 minutes up to two hours, depending on how much you love to get into the details of things. There are two viewing rooms where short films featuring actors and directors are played, and many of the displays here include historical notes. Like Rome itself, it’s often best to just take it all in slowly.
Outside, there’s a large park area with a cafe and bookstore. It’s a nice place to unwind after the tour, as it’s quite tranquil here.
5. Wear sunscreen and and bring water, and have something to eat beforehand.
The tour is mostly in the sun, so wear sunscreen or wear long-sleeved, light clothing. The rest of the exhibits are indoors in air-conditioned rooms.
While a cafe is available around the park area, it’s quite small, so if you’re a particular eater, you might want to consume something ahead of time. I don’t know what the rules are of bringing food in, but there wasn’t anyone checking and Cinecittà would be the perfect place for a picnic…
Like this post? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to get updates on new posts and photos!
I would love to visit this place even though I would only understand every 10th word! I’m a huge fan of Italian cinema so would go just to look around.
Then you would love it!
Would have loved to have visited this when I was in Rome – next time!
If you love film, you will love Cinecitta’, Laurel! Let me know when you’re going to Rome. Maybe our paths will cross :)
(or in San Francisco, for that matter…)
Oh wow. This looks amazeballs! Dammit, Keane, you’ve just added another reason why I have to get back to Roma and soon.
*ponders how to fit in a trip to Rome before going back to the UK in 2 weeks’ time …*
Thanks for the comment, K! It was surprisingly awesome, especially since several people told me there was nothing worth seeing there. If you love film, particularly the ones filmed here, it’s a must-see! :)
Hope you are well.
Do you buy your ticket at the studio? Does the tour price $20 include the exhibition?
Are tours available for those not in a group?
Thanks.
Hi Johnny, sorry I just saw this. Tours are only available with the group, which is why I decided to pay for it even though my Italian was rusty. It’s still worth it!
Visitariamo Cinecitta domani! Oggi non abbiamo potuto per che pioveva.
We can’t wait!
Divertitevi, Maria!
Hi, We are going next month and would love to do the guided tour. How do the two of us sign on with a group? I can only find info for individual tours which are not as extensive looking. Thanks for any help you can provide!
Hi Betsy,
I signed up for a tour when I arrived at the studio. They are group tours, but unfortunately they are only in Italian (at least they were when I visited). Unless things have changed, there’s no way to visit the sets without signing up for a tour.
You can find more info here: http://www.cinecittasimostra.it/en/content/adults-and-families
Hope that helps,
Keane
Thanks for the tips…I’m visiting Italy next month and I didn’t know about this tour in Cinecitta’. My husband loves film.
Have a great trip! I have other posts on favorite pizza-by-the-slice and gelato joints if you need any recommendations!