The mystery thriller movie Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, is based on a novel by Robert Harris and brings viewers into a tense world of religious power and secrets. It tells the gripping story of Cardinal Lawrence, who must handle the difficult task of organizing the election of a new pope while uncovering a dark conspiracy tied to the previous pope. The tale unfolds within the majestic halls of the Vatican, filled with both beauty and mystery, making the locations even more significant to the storyline.
Conclave Filming Locations
While Conclave is set mainly in Vatican City, the actual filming took place in several beautiful locations across Italy, such as Rome and Caserta. These real-life places add depth and authenticity to the movie, enhancing the audience’s experience. The filming of Conclave took place from January to March 2023, a short yet productive timeline that allowed the team to capture Italy’s essence. Let’s look at the specific filming locations and how they contributed to the movie.
Rome, Italy
Rome, the capital city of Italy, played a major role in capturing the visuals for Conclave. Known for its ancient history and strong connection to religion and culture, Rome provides a stunning and authentic backdrop for a movie rooted in church politics and mystery.
The filmmakers chose iconic sites like the Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome’s EUR district (located at Piazza John Kennedy) and the Palazzo del Commendatore in Borgo Santo Spirito. These grand structures, with their classical design, gave the movie a sense of timelessness. The crew also filmed a scene at the Museum of Roman Civilization in Rome’s EUR district (Piazza Giovanni Agnelli), adding an extra layer of historical richness.
The Cinecittà Studios (located at Via Tuscolana, Rome) was used for many indoor shots, capturing scenes that needed a controlled environment. This legendary studio has been a filming site for many well-known movies and is sometimes called the “Hollywood of the Tiber.” Since Cinecittà has large, specialized spaces, it was an ideal location for the movie’s indoor sequences, helping bring the fictional Vatican interiors to life.
Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Even though Vatican City is situated inside Rome, it is a unique place with its own historic and spiritual identity. Since Conclave is centered around the Vatican, shooting here added an air of authenticity. Key exterior scenes were filmed outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Piazza San Pietro), which dates back to the 17th century. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world, and its presence in the film helps ground the story in a realistic setting.
Caserta, Italy
The Royal Palace of Caserta in the city of Caserta (Piazza Carlo di Borbone) was another important location for the movie. Built in the 18th century, this massive palace is known for its splendid Baroque architecture. One iconic spot in the palace, The Grand Staircase, appears in the film, giving a royal feel to the scenes. This palace has also been featured in other movies like Mission: Impossible III and Angels & Demons, making it a favorite filming spot for grand, historic scenes.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions about Conclave
1: Where was Conclave filmed?
A: Conclave was filmed in various locations in Italy, including Rome, Vatican City, and Caserta. Some scenes were also filmed in the famous Cinecittà Studios in Rome.
2: When was Conclave filmed?
A: The filming of Conclave took place from January to March 2023.
3: When is the release date of Conclave?
A: Conclave was released on October 25, 2024.
4: Who is in the cast of Conclave?
A: The main cast includes Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, who leads the story, along with other talented actors portraying high-ranking church officials and people close to the Vatican.
5: Is Conclave based on a book?
A: Yes, Conclave is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris, which is a thriller about power, secrets, and intrigue within the Vatican.