Elio‘s Italy

Palazzo Albergoni in Moscazzano

This small palace with extensive grounds around it is the central location of the film. As it is a private ground, it's not possible to enter the villa, but part of the house is visible from the gate.  The wall around the compound and especially the small green door are often visible in the film as well, and are freely accessible. It is located in Moscazzano, a village south of Crema. 

Piazza del Duomo in Crema

The small town of Crema is charming in itself, with pretty roads and squares like most towns in the area. On this square in front of the church, there are several scenes in the film. Most notably, when Elio and Oliver sit in a café with this view in the background. While there are real cafés on that side of the square, there isn't one that looks like in the film. Still nice to drink some coffee there.

Grotte di Cattuso in Sirmione

Sirmione at Lake Garda is a bit further north than most other filming locations. This is where Elio's father goes on a scientific excursion and takes the boys along. The Grotte di Cattuso is an archeological site which is open to visitors (entrance fee). Besides the ruins of a former villa, there are wonderful olive groves oll over that part of the peninsula, and a lovely view. (You can watch the scene here.)

Jamaica Beach in Sirmione

After the archaeological discovery, Oliver, Elio and his father go swimming in Lake Garda before heading back. It is at the shore of the lake where they make peace and then enjoy some time, more precisely at the Jamaica Beach. It lies a bit below the Grotte di Cattuso, and is freely accessible. There is even a beach bar, and many nice spots to swim and sunbathe.

War Memorial in Pandino

This memorial in Pandino, close to Crema, is essential in the film. First it shows Elio's knowledge, when he tells Oliver about its background. But then he takes the moment as an opportunity to point out that he actually knows nothing about the things that matter....Followed by a wonderful shot around the war memorial, giving them both time to think about how to proceed. The memorial is located right in front of the castle of Pandino, on a lovely square with a café. (You can watch the scene here.)

Fontanile Quarantana near Pandino

This artificial pond lies in flat agricultural land between Crema and Bergamo, close to the aforementioned town of Pandino. It is certainly a nice spot for hot summer days, to enjoy some refreshment and shade in an area far from the sea. In the film, it is used as location for a break on their bike ride back from Pandino. Elio claims he often comes to this pond to read and wants to show it to Oliver. They refresh themselves in the cold water.

Grass next to Fontanile Quarantana

The land around the pond is agricultural farming land, which might look quite different in every season. When the film was shot, it looks like there is corn growing on the surrounding fields. Elio and Oliver lie in the grass and relax. In this secret spot far away from anyone else, they get close and share some intimate moments and words.

Newspaper Shop in Crema

In the town of Crema, there is also the newspaper shop where Oliver goes at some later point in the film, when Elio follows him. It is actually on the same square as the café where they spend some time early in the film, but in a different direction. The road visible next to the shop also is the location of the wooden door, where they are speaking quietly a bit further way from the townspeople.  (You can watch the scene here.)

Streets of Bergamo

Towards the end of Oliver's time in Italy, they spend a few days in Bergamo. The scenes in the film are much shorter than the corresponding pages in the novel, they only show Elio and Oliver in their hotel room, and on an evening walking through the streets. The streets around the Basilica Santa Maria are clearly recognisable in the scenes, with their beautiful architecture and the stairs visible on the image. This part of the Upper Town in Bergamo is very charming and atmospheric. 

Basilica Santa Maria in Bergamo

This spot at the back entrance of the Basilica Santa Maria is used as a dance floor, when Oliver dances with a local girl to the sound of Love My Way by The Psychedelic Furs. The Basilica itself is beautiful and worth visiting, and this corner behind it is very fitting for the unexpected late night encounter in the film. (You can watch the scene here.)