14 JUNE, 2023
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury
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From quaint townsides and cute cafes to vast sci-fi scapes, here are the most iconic backdrops from around the world where famous films have been shot.
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The ancient city of Petra, known for its carved rose-red sandstone facades, serves as the backdrop for Indiana Jones's search for the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade.
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Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the real home of the Trapp family from The Sound of Music, attracts fans who want to explore the locations featured in the movie.
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Kyoto's Nijo Castle provides a stunning setting for Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller, Inception.
The picturesque town of Görlitz in Germany is where you can find the real Grand Budapest Hotel, known for its mix of medieval, art deco, and Gothic architecture.
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The iconic Hôtel Sidi Driss in Matmata, Tunisia, doubles as the Lars homestead on Tatooine, making it a pilgrimage site for Star Wars fans.
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Namibia's Namib Desert becomes the post-apocalyptic wasteland setting for George Miller's thrilling Mad Max: Fury Road.
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The Café des Deux Moulins in Paris, where Amelie works in the eponymous film, attracts visitors from all over the world.
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Rajasthan's Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur stands out as a striking location in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises.
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Skopelos Island in Greece, specifically the village of Damouchari, serves as the picturesque backdrop for the musical Mamma Mia!.
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Ait Ben Haddou, a medieval ksar in Morocco, becomes the captivating setting for several iconic movies, including Ridley Scott's Gladiator.
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The village of Savoca near Taormina stands in for the real village of Corleone in The Godfather, showcasing its charming hillside homes and scenic views of Sicily.
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Wallilabou Bay in St Vincent transforms into Port Royal in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, offering a ruggedly beautiful backdrop for the films.
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The sacred Bayon Temple within the ancient city of Angkor Thom in Cambodia becomes an essential stop for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider fans.
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The well-preserved medieval city of Bruges provides the surreal and atmospheric setting for Martin McDonagh's dark comedy In Bruges.
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Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon" in Jordan, resembles the surface of Mars, making it a fitting location for Ridley Scott's space-themed The Martian.
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Matamata in New Zealand is where Hobbiton comes to life, offering fans of The Lord of the Rings a chance to step into the magical world of Middle-earth.