Rue El Guernaoui El Mokhtar, Ancienne Medina المدينة القديمة, Arrondissement de Sidi Belyout مقاطعة سيدي بليوط, Préfecture d'arrondissements de Casablanca-Anfa عمالة مقاطعات الدار البيضاء أنفا, Casablanca ⵜⴰⴷⴷⴰⵔⵜ ⵜⵓⵎⵍⵉⵍⵜ الدار البيضاء, Pachalik de Casablanca باشوية الدار البيضاء, Préfecture de Casablanca عمالة الدار البيضاء, Casablanca-Settat ⵜⴰⴷⴷⴰⵔⵜ ⵜⵓⵎⵍⵉⵍⵜ-ⵙⵟⵟⴰⵜ الدار البيضاء-سطات, 20032, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب
Ruines Romaines de Timgad, RN 87, Chabourth, Timgad ⵜⴰⵎⵓⴳⴰⴷⵉ تيمقاد, Daïra Timgad, Batna, 12200, Algérie ⵍⵣⵣⴰⵢⴻⵔ الجزائر
Patio de Palacio, Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia, Castilla y León, 40420, España
The epic WWII biopic of General George S. Patton – opening with that unforgettable flag-backed monologue – staged its battles across the deserts and cities of Spain and Morocco, whose landscapes stood in for North Africa and war-torn Europe.
Where was Patton filmed?
Patton was filmed largely in Spain – the Almeria deserts, Madrid and Segovia – and in Morocco.
Every Patton location, explained
1
The desert battles – Almeria
The North African desert scenes used the arid landscapes of Almeria in southern Spain.
2
Madrid – the grand exteriors
Ceremonial scenes used Madrid, including the sweeping staircase of the Royal Palace.
3
Morocco – the ancient ruins
Some scenes used Morocco, including the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
4
Spain as Europe
Towns across Spain, from Almeria to Segovia, stood in for war-torn European settings.
Planning a visit
Spain’s Almeria region – long a favourite of epic film-makers – and the Royal Palace of Madrid are both accessible, spectacular pieces of the film’s world.
Patton Fun Facts
1
Spain played the war The film’s North Africa and Europe were largely filmed in Spain.
2
Scott refused his Oscar George C. Scott won Best Actor for Patton but famously declined the award.
3
That opening monologue The flag-backed opening speech became one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.
4
Seven Oscars The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
5
Co-written by Coppola A young Francis Ford Coppola co-wrote the screenplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patton based on a true story?
Yes – it dramatises the WWII career of American general George S. Patton.
Where were the desert battles filmed?
In the Almeria region of southern Spain.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Almeria and the Royal Palace of Madrid are both accessible.
Who played Patton?
George C. Scott, who won and declined the Best Actor Oscar.
