Movie locations around the world part 4

Welcome to part 4 of my quest for finding movie locations around the world. Left images are from the actual films and to the right are my visits to the spots.

You may also be interested in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 and Part 9.

Star Wars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones (2002)

Star Wars Episode 2: Villa del Balbianello, Italy

Since most environments in the prequel trilogy are computer rendered, it’s rare to find a real location. The beautiful Villa del Balbianello overlooking Lake Como in northern Italy is used as a lake retreat on Naboo. Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) marry on the terrace outside the villa, facing the lake.

Star Wars Episode 2: Villa del Balbianello, Italy

Several other scenes were also shot at the villa, including Anakin meditating in the sunrise before getting a “soothing presence” by Padmé.

Star Wars Episode 2: Plaza de España, Seville

Anakin and Padmé arrive at “Naboo”, which just happens to be the vast Plaza de España in Seville.

Star Wars Episode 2: Plaza de España, Seville

They take a long detour just to show off the impressive columns, or simply for Anakin to have something more to whine about.

Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale: Villa del Balbianello, Italy

The villa was also heavily featured in the James Bond movie Casino Royale from 2006, where Bond (Daniel Craig) recovers from his injuries…

Casino Royale: Villa del Balbianello, Italy

…and confronts his former ally René Mathis…

Casino Royale: Villa del Balbianello, Italy

…and even makes time for a kiss with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). But hey, it’s Eva Green, so who wouldn’t make time for that.

Sound of Music (1965)

Sound of Music: Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg

Salzburg in Austria is full of locations for this classic movie from 1965. This first location is the scene where Maria (Julie Andrews) is leaving the Nonnberg Abbey. This is an actual Benedictine monastery within walking distance from the city center.

Sound of Music: Residenzplatz, Salzburg

Maria arrives at Residenzplatz and splashes water at the horse statue.

Sound of Music: Monchsberg, Salzburg

Maria and the children are walking along the Monchsberg terrace, with great views of the city.

Sound of Music: Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg

Maria and the children are dancing at the entrance to Mirabell Gardens, easily identified by the statues.

Sound of Music: Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg

Maria and the children are singing Do-Re-Mi at the famous steps in Mirabell Gardens.

Sound of Music: Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg

The children are arriving at Nonnberg Abbey in search of Maria.

Sound of Music: Felsenreitschule, Salzburg

The von Trapp family are singing together at the Felsenreitschule. Exactly 50 years later I had the privilege of attending the anniversary gala where the original child actors sang together with the real von Trapp children at the same spot! Have a look at my blog entry from this special anniversary event for more pictures.

In Bruges (2008)

In Bruges: Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges

This movie is the ultimate poster boy for this cozy town. It all starts when Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) arrive at Rozenhoedkaai and stops to admire the buildings along the canal.

In Bruges: Groote Markt, Bruges

Ray is having a bad time at a bench on Groote Markt, before he verbally assaults random American tourists.

In Bruges: Minnewater Bridge, Bruges

Their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) comes to Bruges to fix the situation. He arrives by crossing Minnewater Bridge, where this distinctive tower can be seen.

Lola Rennt (1998)

Lola Rennt: Oberbaumbrücke, Berlin

This German film from 1998, also known as Run Lola Run, makes poor Lola (Franka Potente) run all over Berlin. Here she is running along the covered bridge Oberbaumbrücke, a beautiful landmark crossing the river Spree.

Knight and Day (2010)

Knight and Day: Linzer Gasse, Salzburg

Salzburg serves as the backdrop for a large portion of the film Knight and Day from 2010. June Havens (Cameron Diaz) follows Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) along the narrow alleys Linzer Gasse and Platzl, until she runs down these stairs in the end.

Entrapment (1999)

Entrapment: Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur is a centerpiece of the movie. This is the skybridge between the towers, where MacDougal (Sean Connery) and Baker (Catherine Zeta-Jones) are trying to escape.