Few films have managed to capture the intoxicating blend of summer, youth, and longing quite like Call Me by Your Name. Released in 2017, this coming-of-age romance swept audiences into a world of sun-drenched landscapes, lazy afternoons, and the bittersweet pulse of first love.
But the story’s emotional resonance is matched only by the beauty of its setting. Viewers everywhere have wondered: Where did they film Call Me by Your Name?
The answer is as enchanting as the film itself. The movie’s backdrop is a character in its own right, offering a sensory journey through Italian countryside, charming villages, and elegant villas.
Steeped in culture, history, and romance, these locations form the heart of the film’s allure. Today, we’ll journey to the real places behind the movie’s magic—exploring the towns, villas, rivers, and streets that brought Elio and Oliver’s unforgettable summer to life.
Whether you’re a film buff, a travel enthusiast, or simply someone hungry for beautiful stories, you’ll discover why the locations of Call Me by Your Name are as memorable as the narrative itself.
The Heart of the Story: Lombardy, Italy
The soul of Call Me by Your Name is found in the lush, sunlit landscape of Lombardy, a region in Northern Italy. While the film could have been set anywhere in Europe, the filmmakers chose Lombardy for its evocative, timeless charm.
Lombardy’s rolling hills, rivers, and historic towns provide far more than a picturesque backdrop. They infuse the film with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, grounding the characters’ experiences in a tangible, lived-in world.
The result is cinematic magic—a world that feels real, lived-in, and endlessly alluring.
The decision to film in Lombardy was intentional. Director Luca Guadagnino, who grew up in the region, wanted to evoke a sense of home and personal memory.
He believed that the region’s distinct mix of Italian and French influences would perfectly reflect the cosmopolitan, intellectual family at the heart of the story.
- Lombardy is famed for its scenic beauty, encompassing lakes, vineyards, and medieval towns.
- The film’s unique atmosphere is deeply rooted in this location’s climate and culture.
- Many of the towns and settings remain largely unchanged, providing a sense of timelessness.
“I wanted the film to have the feeling of a memory—something you can almost touch, but never quite grasp.” – Luca Guadagnino
Cremona: The Main Filming Hub
At the heart of the movie’s production is Cremona, a small city in Lombardy that boasts cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a rich musical legacy. Cremona serves as the primary hub for many iconic scenes in Call Me by Your Name.
Cremona is internationally known for its violin-making tradition, but for fans of the film, it’s now synonymous with the evocative energy of Elio and Oliver’s summer. Many outdoor scenes were shot in and around this city, capturing its unique architecture and golden light.
Key locations within Cremona include the bustling Piazza del Duomo, where the characters stroll past the cathedral and town hall, and the winding streets that offer glimpses of everyday Italian life. The authenticity of these settings helped immerse the cast and crew—and, ultimately, the audience—in a world that feels palpably real.
- Piazza del Duomo: The central square, with its impressive cathedral, features prominently.
- Cremona’s old town: Many of Elio’s bicycle rides and encounters with Marzia were filmed here.
- Local cafes and shops: The film captures the rhythm of daily life in this charming Italian city.
The Musical Legacy of Cremona
While exploring Cremona, it’s impossible not to notice the city’s connection to music—especially the violin. This artistic atmosphere subtly echoes the film’s own musical motifs and Elio’s piano playing.
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Moscazzano: The Villa Perlman
The heart and soul of Call Me by Your Name is undoubtedly the Perlman family villa. Its lush gardens, sun-dappled halls, and tranquil atmosphere make it more than just a house—it’s a sanctuary where love and discovery unfold.
This iconic villa is located in Moscazzano, a small village just south of Cremona. The real-life Villa Albergoni, an 18th-century estate, served as the main setting for much of the film’s action.
Its grandeur and intimacy create the perfect backdrop for the film’s emotional journey.
The villa’s interiors and exteriors were filmed almost entirely on location, preserving the authenticity and lived-in quality so key to the story. The rooms, gardens, and even the poolside scenes feel distinctly personal and familiar—inviting viewers to imagine themselves wandering through its halls.
- Villa Albergoni features expansive gardens, lush trees, and hidden corners ideal for introspection.
- The villa’s library and music room play crucial roles in Elio and Oliver’s evolving relationship.
- Its rural setting reinforces the film’s atmosphere of seclusion and privacy.
“The villa is almost a character in the film—it holds memories, secrets, and the gentle pulse of summer.”
Comparing Villa Albergoni to Other Italian Villas
| Villa Albergoni | Private estate, rarely open to public, featured in CMBYN |
| Villa Balbianello (Lake Como) | Popular for weddings, featured in Star Wars and James Bond |
| Villa d’Este (Tivoli) | Known for fountains and gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Pandino: The Streets and the Monuments
Some of the film’s most memorable sequences take place in and around Pandino, a charming town near Moscazzano. The town’s historic landmarks and winding streets infuse the film with a sense of place and tradition.
The Castello Visconteo, a 14th-century castle, appears in several scenes as Elio and Oliver cycle through the countryside. This castle anchors the town and provides a sense of enduring history—a reminder of the stories and lives that unfolded here long before the film’s characters arrived.
Pandino’s understated elegance is evident in the everyday details: the stone bridges, colorful facades, and quiet piazzas. These locations help evoke the languid pace of an Italian summer, where time seems to slow and every moment lingers.
- Castello Visconteo: The medieval castle that becomes a visual motif in the film.
- Pandino’s streets: Used for bicycle rides and heartfelt conversations.
- Markets and squares: Local flavor and authenticity enrich the narrative.
“The villages chosen for filming are like hidden jewels—untouched by modernity and filled with soul.”
Exploring the Influence of Names and Places
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Sirmione and Lake Garda: The Waterside Escape
Water is a recurring motif throughout Call Me by Your Name. Perhaps the most visually stunning water scenes were filmed at Sirmione and along the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.
Sirmione is a resort town perched on a narrow peninsula, known for its turquoise waters, Roman ruins, and medieval castle. The film captures its sun-baked beauty in the sequence where Elio and Oliver share a pivotal moment by the lake.
The gentle lapping of the water, the shimmer of the sun on the surface, and the ancient stones of Sirmione create a timeless atmosphere.
Lake Garda’s landscape is lush and dramatic, offering a contrast to the more pastoral settings of Cremona and Moscazzano. The lake’s vastness hints at the infinite possibilities and emotions swirling within the characters themselves.
- Sirmione: Roman ruins, Scaliger Castle, and world-renowned thermal baths.
- Lake Garda: Crystal-clear waters, mountain views, and olive groves along its shores.
- Swimming and boating scenes were filmed on location, capturing the lake’s natural splendor.
“Lake Garda felt like another world—at once ancient and forever young.”
The Symbolism of Water in the Film
Water serves as a metaphor for transformation and freedom throughout the narrative. Its presence at key moments signals emotional shifts and new beginnings.
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Other Noteworthy Locations: Bergamo and the Italian Countryside
Beyond Lombardy’s more famous towns, the film ventured into the bucolic corners of the Italian countryside—capturing the unhurried pace and rustic beauty that define the region.
The final scenes, which take place in a bustling train station, were filmed in Bergamo. This city, perched on a hilltop, is known for its medieval core and panoramic views.
The train station’s architecture and energy contrast with the rural tranquility of earlier scenes, signaling a shift in Elio’s journey.
Scattered throughout the film are glimpses of fields, orchards, and riverbanks. These unspoiled landscapes serve not only as visual feasts but as symbols of innocence and possibility.
- Bergamo Train Station: The poignant farewell scene was filmed here.
- Country roads and bridges: Used for cycling sequences and quiet reflection.
- Rivers and orchards: Places for swimming, reading, and secret meetings.
“Every field and path tells its own story, just waiting for someone to listen.”
Landscape as Character in Italian Cinema
The Italian countryside has played a starring role in countless films, each drawing on the land’s poetry and history. Call Me by Your Name continues this tradition, inviting us to see the world through the eyes of its characters.
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The Impact of Setting on Storytelling
Great films are often inseparable from their settings—and Call Me by Your Name is a masterclass in how location shapes mood, emotion, and memory. The choice to film on location in real Italian towns, villas, and landscapes imbues every frame with authenticity.
The sun-bleached walls, the sound of cicadas, the rustle of leaves in the afternoon breeze—all contribute to a sensory experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The setting is not just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing element of the story.
Luca Guadagnino’s decision to avoid studio sets and artificial lighting was deliberate. He wanted the audience to feel as if they were stepping into a real summer in Italy, sharing in the characters’ discoveries and heartbreaks.
- Authenticity: Real locations create a tactile, immersive experience.
- Emotion: The moods of the landscape mirror the characters’ inner worlds.
- Memory: The setting evokes nostalgia and the fleeting nature of youth.
| Studio Set | Controlled environment, lacks authentic atmosphere |
| On Location | Genuine light, sounds, and textures—enhances realism |
“We filmed with the windows open, letting the air and sounds of summer pour in.”
Visiting the Film Locations Today
For many fans, the magic of Call Me by Your Name doesn’t end with the closing credits. The film has inspired a wave of tourism to Lombardy and its neighboring regions, as travelers seek to walk in Elio and Oliver’s footsteps.
Many of the movie’s locations remain open to visitors. While Villa Albergoni is a private residence and not generally accessible to the public, its exterior and the surrounding countryside can still be admired.
Towns like Cremona, Pandino, and Sirmione welcome curious explorers eager to capture a slice of cinematic history.
Guided tours and self-guided itineraries are increasingly popular, offering fans the chance to see the piazzas, rivers, and streets where the story unfolded. Local businesses have embraced the film’s legacy, with cafes and shops displaying memorabilia and welcoming film enthusiasts.
- Cremona: Visit historic squares, music museums, and artisan workshops.
- Pandino: Explore the Castello Visconteo and local markets.
- Sirmione and Lake Garda: Enjoy boat rides, castle tours, and lakeside relaxation.
Travel Tips for Film Lovers
If you’re planning a pilgrimage to these locations, remember to respect private property and local customs. The towns are working communities, not just film sets—so savor the experience with courtesy and curiosity.
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The Enduring Magic of Place
The locations of Call Me by Your Name are more than just picturesque settings—they are living, breathing spaces that shape every glance, word, and embrace in the film. From the sunlit villa in Moscazzano to the crystalline waters of Lake Garda, each location contributes its own spirit, history, and color to the narrative tapestry.
In the years since its release, the film has inspired countless viewers to seek out the real-life places where the story was filmed. The journey becomes an act of connection—a chance to step into a world where summer lasts forever, and every detail is charged with possibility.
Ultimately, what makes these locations unforgettable is their authenticity. They are places with their own stories, rhythms, and magic—reminding us that the most powerful stories are always rooted in the real world.
Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through Italian gardens or simply recalling the bittersweet ache of first love, the world of Call Me by Your Name is always waiting, just beyond the next sunlit path.
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