Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Few films have captured the essence of Rome as vividly and poetically as Paolo Sorrentino’s masterpiece, La Grande Bellezza. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014, the movie is a love letter to the Eternal City, exploring its grandeur, contradictions, and timeless beauty. For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the film offers an intriguing way to discover some of the most iconic and hidden locations in Rome, all while reflecting on the city’s complex character.
The Story: A Search for Meaning in the Eternal City
La Grande Bellezza follows Jep Gambardella, a once-promising novelist turned socialite, as he navigates Rome’s opulent yet superficial elite. Through Jep’s contemplative eyes, Sorrentino paints a picture of Rome that is both breathtakingly beautiful and deeply melancholic. The film explores themes of art, love, loss, and the search for meaning—set against a backdrop of Roman splendor.
The Locations of La Grande Bellezza
Sorrentino’s Rome is a blend of the iconic and the unexpected. Here are some of the most memorable locations featured in the film, many of which are easily accessible from QuodLibet:
1. Gianicolo Terrace
The film opens with a stunning panorama of Rome from the Gianicolo Terrace, one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints. As the morning light washes over the city, it sets the tone for the film’s exploration of beauty and fleeting time. A visit to the Gianicolo is a must for anyone seeking a moment of quiet reflection above the bustling streets.
2. Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
This monumental fountain, often referred to as “Il Fontanone,” serves as the backdrop for one of the film’s opening scenes. Its grandeur is a testament to Rome’s Baroque splendor and a perfect metaphor for the film’s themes of excess and beauty.
3. Palazzo Spada
Jep walks through the Galleria Spada, admiring its famous forced perspective corridor designed by Francesco Borromini. This brief moment highlights the Roman genius for blending art and illusion, a recurring motif in the film.
4. Parco degli Acquedotti
This lesser-known gem appears in one of the film’s dreamlike sequences. The ancient aqueducts, framed against the Roman sky, remind us of the city’s timeless relationship with water and engineering.
5. The Colosseum and Ancient Rome
Jep’s terrace offers a view of the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome’s eternal presence. This visual connection between Jep’s modern life and ancient history encapsulates the city’s unique charm.
6. Palazzo Sacchetti
The lavish party scenes were filmed in this magnificent Renaissance palace, offering a glimpse into the opulence of Rome’s historic aristocracy.
7. Aventine Keyhole
One of the film’s most magical moments is the view through the Aventine Keyhole, a perfectly framed vista of St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a quiet reminder of Rome’s hidden surprises, waiting to be discovered.
Rome and Cinema: A Timeless Affair
La Grande Bellezza continues a long tradition of films that celebrate Rome. From Roman Holiday to Angels & Demons, the Eternal City has been both a backdrop and a protagonist in countless stories. As we’ve explored in previous posts:
- Roman Holiday introduced audiences to the Spanish Steps and Bocca della Verità.
- Angels & Demons turned the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo into thrilling cinematic landmarks.
- Rome Open City captured the city’s resilience during WWII, with Anna Magnani immortalizing the struggles of ordinary Romans.
Each of these films, like La Grande Bellezza, reveals a different facet of Rome’s personality.
From QuodLibet to La Grande Bellezza
Guests at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast are perfectly positioned to explore the Rome of Sorrentino’s masterpiece. Many of the film’s locations are just a short distance away:
- The Gianicolo Terrace is a scenic walk or quick taxi ride.
- The Colosseum is easily reachable by metro, offering the chance to see Jep’s view in real life.
- Hidden spots like the Aventine Keyhole are ideal for a quiet, reflective moment.
At QuodLibet, we often hear our guests describe their time in Rome as “a journey into beauty”—a sentiment that echoes the themes of La Grande Bellezza. Whether you’re exploring the city’s iconic landmarks or its hidden corners, Rome invites you to experience life with all its splendor and complexity.
Experience the Grande Bellezza for Yourself
Rome isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. And through the lens of La Grande Bellezza, it becomes a profound meditation on life, art, and the eternal allure of beauty. As you explore the locations from the film, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history, culture, and emotion that make Rome a city unlike any other.
At QuodLibet, we’re here to help you uncover your own “grande bellezza,” offering a cozy home base and insider tips for discovering Rome in all its glory.
