“House of Gucci” Filming Locations That You Can Actually Visit in Italy

Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, and it’s no surprise that House of Gucci was shot in this most stylish of cities. Fashionistas will spot the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the movie’s early scenes: Site of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani’s first date, the ornate, 4-story shopping arcade is also a major destination in its own right. The oldest such gallery of its kind in Italy, the 19th-century landmark is fittingly home to a Gucci boutique, as well as other designer shops. Discover its highlights (without spending a fortune) when you explore as part of a Milan walking tour—and don’t forget to wander the well-heeled Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district nearby, which also appeared on screen.

Related: 10 of The Most Historic Shopping Arcades in Europe

Another backdrop to Maurizio and Patrizia’s early courtship—and another Milan icon—is the Duomo, instantly recognizable for its scale and that distinctive, spiky facade. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the largest cathedral in Italy), the 600-year-old Duomo’s sheer extravagance makes it a fit for House of Gucci’s own larger-than-life vibe. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the landmark has to be seen to be appreciated: book skip-the-line tickets for a seamless visiting experience—and even head right up to its rooftop, where you can admire its architecture up close and drink in cityscapes from afar.

There’s nowhere quite like Lake Como—just ask the Gucci family. It’s at the Villa Balbiano, right on the waterfront, where Maurizio’s uncle Aldo Gucci celebrates his birthday party with all the pomp and opulence you’d expect for a resort area with more Ferraris than Toyotas. While the villa itself can be rented for an eye-watering rate that matches its milieu, there are more accessible ways to discover this haven of the rich and famous: whether you stroll the streets of Como on a food tour, sightsee in Bellagio, or go for a sunset sailing tour on the lake, you can indulge in a taste of la bella vita.

Milan is a city where luxury reigns supreme, as any visit to the Villa Necchi Campiglio goes to show. Constructed in the 1930s in a strikingly modern style, the sprawling mansion was once a favorite party pad for Milano’s fashionable set. In the film, it’s the sepulchral—if ever-stylish—home of Rodolfo Gucci, Maurizio’s ailing father, and where he has a memorable confrontation with Jared Leto’s clownish Paolo Gucci. Today, the architectural gem is one of Milan’s “Museum Houses,” and is open to visitors. (Bonus for Italian film lovers: the Villa Necchi Campiglio additionally played a starring role in I Am Love, a 2009 film whose themes also include star-crossed romance, a wealthy dynasty, and family tragedy.)

A pivotal moment in the film sees Maurizio Gucci plan a wintry escape on a motorcycle to evade the police—and zip right across the border to St. Moritz, Switzerland. In real life, the House of Gucci production didn’t need to skip town, and so swapped in the resort of Gressoney Saint-Jean in northwest Italy’s Aosta Valley for St. Moritz. It may not have quite the A-list reputation of its double, but Gressoney Saint-Jean still boasts exceptional skiing, soaring mountains, and picture-perfect Alpine retreats. It’s also an ideal jumping-off point if you wish to visit the Aosta Valley’s castles and wineries.

While much of House of Gucci was filmed in Milan, Rome also enjoyed a starring role, notably in the wedding scene of Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci. The chosen backdrop was Santa Maria in Campitelli: a 17th-century church in Rione Sant’Angelo. Afterwards, venture to Cinecittà Studios: additional filming took place at this storied setting, where other legendary movies—including the likes of La Dolce Vita—were once shot. Book a skip-the-line tour to explore, and end your Italian getaway with a fitting dose of movie magic.