The greatest of the Spaghetti Westerns is set in the American Civil War – but its dusty deserts and dramatic showdowns are pure Spain. The final duel unfolds in Sad Hill Cemetery, a set built by soldiers, abandoned for decades, then lovingly excavated and restored by fans.
Where was The Good, the Bad and the Ugly filmed?
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was filmed in Spain – the deserts of Almeria and the countryside of Burgos, where Sad Hill Cemetery was built.
Every Good, the Bad and the Ugly location, explained
1
The deserts – Almeria
The film’s arid landscapes used the deserts of Almeria in Andalusia – Tabernas and Cabo de Gata – a favourite of the Spaghetti Western.
2
Sad Hill Cemetery – Burgos
The circular graveyard of the climactic three-way duel was built near Santo Domingo de Silos in Burgos, and later restored by a fan association.
3
The monastery – Cortijo del Fraile
The mission where Tuco finds his brother used the Cortijo del Fraile near Nijar in Almeria.
4
The bridge battle – the Arlanza
The Civil War bridge sequence used the Arlanza river valley in Burgos.
Planning a visit
Sad Hill Cemetery near Burgos has been restored and is open to visitors – you can stand in the very arena of the final duel – while the deserts of Tabernas in Almeria remain classic Western country.
Good, the Bad and the Ugly Fun Facts
1
Sad Hill was restored by fans The cemetery, built by soldiers in 1966, was abandoned for decades then dug out and rebuilt by a devoted fan association.
2
Spain plays the Old West The film’s American deserts are really the arid badlands of Almeria in southern Spain.
3
Morricone's score came first Ennio Morricone composed the iconic music before filming, so it could be played on set.
4
Tabernas is a real desert The Almeria filming area includes Tabernas, one of Europe’s only true deserts.
5
The final duel is legendary The circular Sad Hill standoff is one of the most famous scenes in cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Sad Hill Cemetery?
Yes – it was restored by fans and is open to visitors near Santo Domingo de Silos in Burgos.
Is the film set in America?
Yes – during the American Civil War, but it was filmed entirely in Spain.
Who directed it?
Sergio Leone.
Who composed the music?
Ennio Morricone, whose score was written before filming.
