Roberto Benigni’s bittersweet fable – a father shielding his son from the horror of a Nazi camp with games and laughter – was filmed in Italy, in the golden towns of Tuscany and the countryside of Umbria.
Where was Life Is Beautiful filmed?
Life Is Beautiful was filmed in Italy – Tuscany and Umbria.
Every Life Is Beautiful location, explained
1
The town – Arezzo
The film’s first half used the Tuscan city of Arezzo and Cortona.
2
The countryside – Tuscany
Rural scenes used the towns of Tuscany, around Arezzo.
3
The camp – Umbria
The concentration-camp scenes were built at a former factory in Papigno, Umbria.
4
Wartime Italy
The film moves from a sunlit town to the darkness of the war.
Planning a visit
Arezzo and Cortona in Tuscany – the film’s real settings – are beautiful, accessible Italian towns.
Life Is Beautiful Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Tuscany and Umbria The film used Arezzo, Cortona and a camp set in Umbria.
2
A father's love A father invents a game to protect his son in the camp.
3
Benigni's Oscar Roberto Benigni won Best Actor and directed the film.
4
Best Foreign Language Film The film won the Academy Award in that category.
5
A famous acceptance Benigni climbed over the seats to accept his Oscar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Life Is Beautiful filmed?
In Italy – Tuscany and Umbria.
Is it set in Italy?
Yes – in wartime Italy.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Arezzo and Cortona are accessible.
Who directed it?
Roberto Benigni.
When was it released?
1997.
