The film adaptation of Robert Harris's novel of the same name was shot in the Vatican, which matches the plot of the film. To capture the architecture and artwork of the classical era, the production team traveled to cities such as Rome and Caserta. Some scenes were filmed at the iconic Palazzo dei Congressi and Palazzo del Commendatore. For interior scenes, the crew moved to Cinecittà Studios. It was founded in 1937 by Benito Mussolini and due to its significance, it was nicknamed "Hollywood on the Tiber".

Filming Locations:

Staircase

In the Movie

Scene where O'Malley tells Cardinal Lawrence about the track record of Father Benitez. He worked in war zones and wanted to retire for health reasons, but the Holy Father dissuaded him. Lawrence is interested in this fact and asks Ray to look into this aspect of the priest's biography in more detail.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the grounds of the Royal Palace of Caserta. This building is one of the largest royal residences in the world. The palace was built in 1752 and is a symbol of Italian Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.

In the Courtyard

In the Movie

Scene where all the cardinals are worried about what happened. They huddle in small groups and discuss what to do next. Lawrence sits alone on a bench among the columns, silently reflecting.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the grounds of the Museum of Roman Civilization. The building covers 13 thousand square kilometers and is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to the history of Ancient Rome. It was founded in 1952 and opened to the public in 1955.

Near the Fountain

In the Movie

Scene where The weather worsens. The cardinals slowly cross the courtyard with a fountain in the center. Each holds an open white umbrella. They hide under the umbrellas from the rain. The crowd of clergymen leisurely circles the fountain.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the grounds of Villa Medici. The building is located on the slope of the Roman hill Pincio and is the highest point in Rome. In 1576, the slope was acquired by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici, the future ruler of Florence. The villa belonged to the Medici family until 1737. After 1945, the building came under the administration of the French state.