Cinecittà Studios

Why Visit Cinecittà Studios?

Cinecittà Studios is Italy's most iconic film production facility, nicknamed "Hollywood on the Tiber" for its extraordinary contribution to world cinema. Founded in 1937, this legendary complex is, by its own count, associated with over 3,000 films, including 90 Academy Award nominees.

Walk through permanent sets that brought ancient Rome to life, explore the golden age of Italian cinema, and discover the magic behind legendary productions from Federico Fellini's masterpieces to modern blockbusters and acclaimed TV series.

Authentic Film Sets

Walk through real movie sets including ancient Rome, Renaissance Florence, and New York streets

Cinema History

Explore exhibitions on Italian cinema's golden age and Fellini's creative genius

Costume Collection

See iconic costumes from classic films and TV productions up close

A Legendary History

Cinecittà opened in 1937 and became important to Italian cinema after WWII, though the neorealist movement was strongly associated with location shooting outside the studio system. The 1950s-60s marked its golden era when Federico Fellini created masterpieces like La Dolce Vita. American productions including Ben-Hur and Cleopatraestablished Rome as a global filmmaking destination.

Historical Timeline

Cinecittà opens as Europe's largest film studio

Ben-Hur wins 11 Oscars — studio work took place at Cinecittà, with other Italian locations also used

Fellini's La Dolce Vita defines an era

Continues as a working studio and visitor attraction

What to See

Permanent Film Sets

• Ancient Rome set — temples, streets & forums
• Renaissance Florence architecture
• New York streets recreation
• Jerusalem temple set

Exhibitions

• Exhibition on Federico Fellini's work
• "How Films Are Made" interactive experience
• Costume & prop collections
• Submarine set from U-571

Famous Productions

Tickets & Tours

Standard Entry

Access to exhibitions, sets, and costume collection currently included on the visitor route (check official page for details)

Guided Studio Tour

Expert-led tour offering closer insight into the studio and production history

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Visiting on Tuesday

Consequence: You travel to Via Tuscolana only to find the gates closed.

Solution: Cinecittà Studios is closed on Tuesdays. Plan your visit Wednesday through Monday, and check the official hours page.

Confusing it with Cinecittà World

Consequence: You arrive at the working studio expecting roller coasters and water slides.

Solution: Cinecittà Studios (Via Tuscolana) is the historic film complex. Cinecittà World (Castel Romano) is a separate theme park 25 km away.

Showing up without booking

Consequence: On weekends and during festivals, walk-up tickets sell out and you waste the trip.

Solution: Book online ahead—often the same price and you skip the on-site queue.

Skipping the guided tour for first-timers

Consequence: You wander the sets without context and miss the legendary stories behind each backdrop.

Solution: Take the expert-led tour at least on your first visit—you'll understand why this is 'Hollywood on the Tiber'.

Allowing only an hour

Consequence: You rush through the Fellini exhibition and miss the Ancient Rome and Renaissance sets.

Solution: Plan a full 2.5–3 hours. The complex is large and there's far more to see than expected.

Arriving late in the afternoon

Consequence: The complex is open 10:00–18:00 except Tuesday and the ticket office closes at 16:30, so a late arrival leaves little time.

Solution: Arrive in the morning, close to the published 10:00 opening, and buy tickets well before the 16:30 ticket-office closing.

Insider Tips

Metro is Easiest

Take Metro Line A directly to Cinecittà station—the studio entrance is a 5-minute walk.

Pair with Appian Way

Combine your morning at Cinecittà with an afternoon on the Appian Way and the Aqueducts park—same southern Rome zone.

Check Photography Rules

Photography is not necessarily allowed in every area — check the current venue policy before your visit.

Café On Site

There's a café and gift shop, but options are limited—eat a proper lunch before or pair with a Tuscolano trattoria after.

Nearby Hotels

Stay in the Tuscolano area for easy studio access, or pick a central Rome base and connect via Metro Line A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What famous films were made at Cinecittà?

According to Cinecittà's own figures, the studio has been involved in over 3,000 films, including classics like Ben-Hur, Cleopatra, La Dolce Vita, and modern hits like The Young Pope, Gangs of New York, and HBO's Rome series.

How long is the Cinecittà Studios tour?

A visit typically takes approximately 2-3 hours to explore the exhibitions, sets, and costume collection currently open to visitors. Guided tours are also available.

Can you see real movie sets at Cinecittà?

Yes! Visitors can typically explore authentic film sets, such as an Ancient Rome set, recreated New York streets, and Renaissance Florence architecture used in past productions — though the sets currently included in visitor access may vary.

Is Cinecittà still a working studio?

Yes, Cinecittà remains fully operational. While visitors tour designated areas, film and TV productions continue in other parts of the complex.

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