The mystery thriller Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, is about Cardinal Lawrence, a man given the important duty of organizing the election of a new pope. During this responsibility, he discovers a conspiracy involving the former pope. Cardinal Lawrence faces a race against time and must find the truth in the secretive Vatican halls to protect the church from potential disaster. The film is based on Robert Harris’ novel of the same name and takes viewers through a gripping journey in the beautiful yet mysterious Vatican City. The storyline is full of twists, making the audience feel the tension within the grand architecture and historical monuments of the Catholic Church.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the actual filming locations that helped bring this mysterious story to life on screen. While the story unfolds in Vatican City, the filming happened in a mix of historic locations in Italy, mainly in Rome, Caserta, and, of course, the real Vatican City. With a blend of grand architecture and the right amount of mystery, these locations add to the thrilling experience of Conclave.
Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy’s capital, served as one of the main filming spots for Conclave. Known as the Eternal City, Rome has a rich history that goes back thousands of years and is famous for its art, culture, and religious heritage. With its majestic monuments and iconic landmarks, Rome gave the movie a regal atmosphere.
For example, the movie team used Palazzo dei Congressi at Piazza John Kennedy, 1, and Palazzo del Commendatore at Borgo Santo Spirito, 3, as filming locations. These historic buildings have classic architectural designs that help build the grand and serious tone of the movie.
The Museum of Roman Civilization, situated at Piazza Giovanni Agnelli, 10, also featured in the film for one scene, adding a touch of ancient Roman history. For the film’s main interior scenes, the production team used Cinecittà Studios at Via Tuscolana, 1055. This well-known studio, often called the “Hollywood of the Tiber,” has hosted famous films and series since it was established in 1937 by the Italian leader Benito Mussolini. Cinecittà Studios provided the right environment for capturing many key scenes in Conclave with its world-class facilities.
Vatican City
Although Vatican City is located inside Rome, it is an independent city-state and is the heart of the Catholic Church. The film captures the mystery and depth of the Vatican’s traditions and atmosphere. While most of the indoor scenes were shot at Cinecittà Studios, the filmmakers used several outdoor shots from the real Vatican City to make the story feel genuine. The team filmed outside St. Peter’s Basilica at Piazza San Pietro, which is one of the world’s most famous churches and an important symbol of the Catholic faith. This historic church, completed in 1626, provided the perfect background to emphasize the religious and dramatic essence of Conclave.
Caserta, Italy
Another important location in the film is the Royal Palace of Caserta, located at Piazza Carlo di Borbone in Caserta. This stunning palace, which dates back to 1752, is known for its grand architecture and is often used in films due to its beautiful interiors. One of the palace’s highlights is the Grand Staircase, which appears in Conclave. The Grand Staircase has been featured in other movies too, like Mission: Impossible III and Angels & Demons, due to its majestic look and historical significance.
The Royal Palace of Caserta not only adds visual beauty to Conclave but also enhances the historical atmosphere of the film. It reminds viewers of a time when such grand structures were built with utmost skill and attention to detail.
In short, Conclave takes viewers through a thrilling journey set against Italy’s historic landscapes and the iconic Vatican City. These filming locations add depth and richness to the story, making it more immersive and real for viewers. Whether it’s Rome’s timeless streets, Vatican City’s holy sites, or the grand Royal Palace in Caserta, each location has a unique role in enhancing the mystery and drama in Conclave.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – Conclave
Q: Where was Conclave filmed?
A: Conclave was filmed primarily in Italy, including beautiful locations in Rome, Caserta, and Vatican City. Key scenes were shot at historic landmarks in Rome, such as the Palazzo dei Congressi, Palazzo del Commendatore, and the Museum of Roman Civilization. For authentic interiors, the production team used the renowned Cinecittà Studios in Rome. The film also features exterior shots from Vatican City, especially around the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as scenes in the grand Royal Palace of Caserta.
Q: When was Conclave filmed?
A: The filming of Conclave began in January 2023 and concluded in March 2023.
Q: What is the release date of Conclave?
A: Conclave was released on October 25, 2024.
Q: Who is in the cast of Conclave?
A: The cast of Conclave includes several talented actors. Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the central character tasked with organizing the election of a new pope. The film also features John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, among others, who bring depth to this gripping thriller about power, faith, and secrets within the Catholic Church.
Q: What is Conclave about?
A: Conclave is a mystery thriller that follows Cardinal Lawrence as he uncovers a conspiracy surrounding the former pope’s death while organizing the new papal election. As he races against time, Lawrence finds himself drawn into a complex web of secrets and deceit within the Vatican halls, creating suspenseful twists that keep the audience engaged.
