Skopelos, Mamma Mia
You might be surprised to hear that the iconic Greek island Kalokari, from the fabulous films Mamma Mia, is actually a fictional island and filming locations for Mamma Mia took place on the small Greek island of Skopelos. It’s one of the most gorgeous Greek islands with its eye-widening natural forests and blazing blue seas as well as its charming, cobbled streets with its rich history and culture. One famous location of this particular film is the church we see in both Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia Here We Go Again. This is the Agios Ioannis Chapel which is famous for its articulous views and long path of 198 steps. These steps is where we see one of the most heart- wrenching moments in cinematic history, when Donna sings ‘The Winner Takes It All’. With Meryls miraculous voice combined with the in fantilizing views of the island we are truly taken away to a fantasy.
Kings Cross, Gloucester Cathedral, Harry Potter
The famous movie franchise Harry Potter was filmed in many different locations but the most recognised ones are Kings Cross Station which we see in most films. At Kings Cross Station in the films, the famous platform the children enter the Hogwarts express on is platform 9 3/4. Although this platform does not truly exist, Kings Cross Station has created it’s own Harry Potter corner where they have partially created platform 9 3/4 where visitors can sneak in a photo as if on their journey to Hogwarts famously running through the wall. As well as this famous filming location, the famous halls and corridors of Hogwarts were filmed in Gloucester Cathedral in Oxford. Many people that visit are quickly swept away to the magic of Hogwarts as they walk around the stained glass windows of the miraculous Hogwarts walls. Walking through these Cathedral walls you are vastly transported to the fictional world of Harry Potter are feel as though you are no longer a muggle.
Central Park and The Plaza Hotel, Various Films
It can be argued that Central Park, New York, is one of the most famous filming locations in the world with films such as Avengers, Enchanted, Spiderman, Ghostbusters, The Devil Wears Prada and Elf just to name a few. Through walking around Central Park you are guaranteed to stop and point out a new film location every few seconds. Even if you have never visited New York, Central Park is bound to look familiar. The Bethseda Fountain found at the center of the park if famously known for the musical spectacle of Enchanted with its bursts of light and colour in the 2007 Disney film. This may appear nostalgic to some younger visitors. The famous Plaza Hotel which can be seen from Central Park is another significant film location as if was first ever seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest in 1959. Since then the Plaza hotel has been seen in films such as Home Alone, Lost In New York, Crocodile Dundee and Funny Girl. This is truly one to visit especially around Christmas time.
Petra, Jordan, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The ancient city of Petra is famous for it’s carved red sandstone temples and tombs. Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world and made into a tourist destination after appearing in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989 as the Holy Grail. Well known for being ‘the place at the end of Indiana Jones, Petra has a far richer history than being the mere location for Spielberg’s blockbuster. Believed to date back to 9000 BC, the city of Petra was established as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom around the 4th century BC. Petra became the subject of many attacks, becoming a major trading hub and a rich city in the process, but the mountainous region made it an impenetrable fortress.
Salzburg, The Sound Of Music
The real Trapp family once lived in Salzburg, and the hit film was also filmed in and around the city, making it a must-see for Sound of Music fans. More than 300,000 visitors head to Salzburg each year to trace the footsteps of Maria von Trapp and Julie Andrews. There are many The Sound Of Music tours that take you around various locations in Salzburg such as the hills Maria sings on at the start of the film, the gazebo Leisl and Rolf sing ‘Iam Sixteen Going On Seventeen” under. As well as this you are also taken around all the sites we are induced to during ‘Do- Re- Mi’ and we truly feel like we are one of the Von Trapps.
Lake Como, Star Wars Attack Of The Clones episode iii
Here in the stunning sights of Lake Como in Italy on screen Anakin and Padme tie the knot. This film location has also been used as wedding destinations from many Star Wars fans that have attempted to recreate the ethereal wedding of Anakin and Padme. With the lakes deep blue waters and flourishing flowers you do truly feel as if you are in another universe and can properly live out your Star Wars fantasy. The breathtaking views are also seen famously in James Bond, Casino Royale so if you have dreams of being a spy or a jedi, Lake Como is the place for you to visit.
To conclude, if you are a film fanatic and love the beautiful scenery then visiting one of these incredible film locations should definitely be on your bucket list!