Netflix’s series Ripley is a thrilling retelling of the enthralling novels by Patricia Highsmith. The Talented Mr. Ripley was the first of many books that feature the character Tom Ripley. Tom Ripley is a con man from New York hired by an affluent man to get his son to return home from Italy. But an unexpected series of events occur when Tom gets a taste of the highlife abroad.
Highsmith’s psychological thriller is unlike any other, which is why there have been a few screen adaptations. Like the 1999 hit film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, the 2024 series has an impressive cast. Tom Ripley is played by Andrew Scott, Dickie Greenleaf by Johnny Flynn and Marge Sherwood is played by Dakota Fanning. The cast of the series surely has interested viewers, though the setting of the show is what truly makes the story feel authentic.
As viewers will notice, the newest on-screen adaptation of the crafty Mr. Ripley takes an avant-garde approach to his story. The cinematographer of Ripley, Robert Elswit, kept the series in black and white, which elevates the element of mystery. The film noire element brings viewers back to the early 1960s. But the cinematography decision may even leave fans of the show yearning for more.
Just as the scenic views and romanticized atmosphere of the Italian highlife were more than tantalizing for Tom Ripley, travelers may feel the urge to see it for themselves. The filming destinations of Ripley surely compare to the on-screen depictions. But in person, with vivid color and a thriving culture to immerse themselves in, travelers may not want to return home. Travelers interested in exploring the vibrant destinations of the series can read about where Netflix’s Ripley was filmed in Italy.
Atrani
- Key Scenes: Marge’s home
- Best Time to Visit: spring for the best weather
- Transportation Options: ferry, bus or taxi because it is in a secluded part of the Amalfi Coast
Atrani, Italy is a small town about an hour away from the popularized city of Naples. The town is one of the smallest villages in Italy. Atrani is known for its charm and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is also about 40 minutes away from Positano. Positano is said to be the inspiration for the novel’s fictional setting, Mongibello. Mongibello is where Dickie spends his time with Marge. The town square and beaches of Atrani made it the perfect backdrop for the couple’s hideaway. The beaches of Atrani are not commonly crowded and are considered serene. So filming at this location added to the eerie ambiance of the series.
Things to Do: There is much to do in Atrani. Such as coastal boat tours, explorations of the town on vespas and Amalfi coast snorkeling. Popular sites are the Santuario Santa Maria del Bando, Chiesa di San Salvatore de Birecto and Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena.
Where to Eat: There are plenty of restaurants that will make travelers feel like they are in the alluring series. Visitors can explore the unique culinary offerings of Italy at Bistrot Cannavacciuolo, Giardini de Cesari and Agriturismo Terra e Sapori.
Where to Stay: Due to the small size of Atrani, there is not an excess of accommodations. But there are some stunning places to stay with great waterfront views and free wifi. For example, there is Palazzo Ferraioli and La Scogliera.
Rome
- Key Scenes: interior shots, exterior shots of the streets
- Best Time to Visit: between March and May for ideal spring weather
- Transportation Options: local buses, trams and the metro
Rome’s Cinecittà Studios is another major filming location for the series Ripley. This large studio is located just outside the central areas of Rome. So it was an ideal space where Ripley was filmed in Italy and cast and crew could set up camp. There are shopping centers near the studio. This means that travelers can explore the place where the Ripley production team built sets and the city easily. In fact, Cinecittà Si Mostra is a unique cinematic exhibit available to tourists. There travelers can learn more about the legacy of the studio. Travelers can take tours of the museum to view both permanent and temporary exhibits. Visitors will not get to see Tom’s apartment which was built at the studios. But the area around the studio offers great tourism opportunities.
Things to Do: Exploring the history of Italian cinema at Cinecittà Si Mostra is popular film buffs. Film connoisseurs will appreciate the museum, but travelers should also visit the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
Where to Eat: Travelers will not be at a loss when trying to devour the delectable flavors of Italy. In Rome, some of the most popular places to eat are La Fata Ignorante, Bono Bottega Nostrana and Adesso Vineria-Bistrot.
Where to Stay: Hotel Artemide, Hotel Barocco and Hotel Colosseum are a few of the top rated accommodations in Rome. These places are all around 20 minutes from Cinecittà Studios.
Sicily
- Key Scenes: Tom visits a small chapel and exterior shots of historical landmarks
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October for cooler temperatures
- Transportation Options: walkable in some areas but tourists can get around by car, scooter or taxi
Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and where some scenes from Ripley were filmed in Italy. Sicily, the biggest island of Italy, is well known for its ancient ruins, cultural diversity and three connecting seas. Palermo is a vibrant part of Sicily that has a distinct influence on food and architecture. The city is like a cultural center. It has plenty of food markets, opera houses, shopping and a wealth of knowledge on local art history.
The thriving city was where Tom took a vacation and viewed the work of famed Italian painter and criminal Caravaggio. The scene where he stares at Caravaggio’s masterpiece titled Nativity is filmed in Palermo’s Oratory of San Lorenzo. This scene is said to reference Tom’s artistic manipulation that he seems to have perfected. He marvels at Caravaggio’s masterful artwork almost enviously. The small chapel is a place that travelers can tour. They can even form their own opinion on the controversy over Caravaggio’s missing original piece of art.
Things to Do: Many travelers enjoy walking tours where they can explore the top attractions of Palermo. There are many local, popular sites. Some of them are Cattedrale di Palermo, Teatro Massimo and Fontana della Vergogna (otherwise known as Fontana Pretoria).
Where to Eat: There are plenty of noteworthy places to eat in Palermo. A few favorites are Apud Jatum Panormus, POMO & POMO Sikulo Emporio and Biga Genio e Farina.
Where to Stay: Alma Hotel, Hotel Palermo Quattro Canti and Grand Hotel Wagner are some of the highest rated accommodations in the Palermo area.
Naples
- Key Scenes: exterior shots of historical landmarks
- Best Time to Visit: in summer and winter for limited rain
- Transportation Options: the metro and walking
Tom’s accommodation while in Palermo may be recognizable to some travelers. But his hotel is notably not located in Palermo. A historic site in Naples is where Tom’s Palermo home from Ripley was actually filmed in Italy. Palazzo Sanfelice is a Baroque palace that is famous for its elaborate architecture and decor. The site was built around 1728 by architect and painter Ferdinando Sanfelice, so it is quite ancient. The palace was built as his private residence and is a lesser known place that travelers can explore.
But travelers should be mindful that locals actually live at Palazzo Sanfelice. Travelers may want to get an intimate peak at the filming destination but might not have a deep exploration. Beyond walking the impressive staircases, tourists are not entirely welcomed by the community since its a residential area. Travelers can enjoy walking around the site and the surrounding humble neighborhood of Rione Sanità in Naples.
Things to Do: Travelers can visit historic sites, take walking tours and visit specialty museums while in Naples. Some of the most popular sites are Museo Cappella Sansevero, Teatro di San Carlo and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli.
Where to Eat: Tavernetta Colauri, Owap Pizzeria Foria and La Locanda Gesù Vecchio Civico 4 are the top rated places to taste the culinary delights of Naples.
Where to Stay: Hotel Cristina, Decumani Hotel de Charme and Grand Hotel Santa Lucia are all centrally located accommodations in Naples.
Capri
- Key Scenes: Dickie’s villa
- Best Time to Visit: from April to June and September to October
- Transportation Options: the bus is a reliable mode of transportation
While Dickie’s residence is supposedly located in Atrani, the real life filming location is not there. So where exactly was Ripley filmed in Italy? On the small island of Capri is Villa La Torricella. The villa was the filming location used for Dickie’s home in the series. The stunning mansion was built in 1902 and made Dickie’s privileged economic status quite clear. It has a distinctive ambiance in comparison to the other historic sites of Italy that were used in the series.
The beautiful seaside country house is located in a secure gated community in the Italian countryside. It can be booked for weddings and special events since it has room for 14 guests. The villa has plenty of envy worthy features. Including a large private swimming pool and scenic views of the Chianti region. The villa also offers discounted tours. For example, there are guided tours of Florence and Siena, food and wine tastings, nature tours and even private chefs. Travelers that stay at the villa can experience Italian luxury, just as Tom was shown by Dickie and Marge.
Things to Do: The Giardini di Augusto is a nice garden where visitors can view the popular coastal Faraglioni rock formations. Travelers looking to enjoy Capri’s sun can visit Green Grotto. There they can climb cliffs or venture inside caves to cool off in the water.
Where to Eat: Lo Sfizio, Ristorante da Gemma and Da Tonino are the best rated restaurants in Capri. Da Tonino is listed on the 2024 Michelin guide, so travelers are in for a special treat.
Where to Stay: Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco, Capri Wine Hotel and Hotel La Floridiana are excellent places to stay in Capri, Italy.
Venice
- Key Scenes: Tom in public square and palazzo during last episode
- Best Time to Visit: September to November for relatively more affordable prices
- Transportation Options: by canal boat (both private and public options) or on foot
Unlike many of the other filming destinations of the series Ripley, scenes filmed in Venice are actually set in Venice. The popularity of this destination makes it clear why it was selected for where Ripley was filmed in Italy. Fans of the previous iterations of Mr. Ripley will even notice an iconic familiar face. Actor John Malkovich who played Ripley in the 2002 “Ripley’s Game”, portrays Reeves Minot in the 2024 series. He interacts with Tom at a Venice cafe.
But the most recognizable location of Venice that was used for filming is the Palazzo Contarini Polignac. The palazzo is a grand renaissance era building that Tom stayed at. Travelers can also visit Piazza San Marco to experience places Tom spends time in during the final episode. The public square is one of Venice’s most popular attractions. As viewers surely noticed, Venice is the location that marks the end of the series. But it is also the place where Tom’s string of deceit and lies reach its peak.
Things to Do: The Piazza San Marco is a great place for visitors to explore. The Canal Grande, Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco are other popular tourist destinations in Venice.
Where to Eat: Osteria Fanal Del Codega, Impronta and Trattoria Dona Onesta are some of the most popular restaurants of Venice, Italy.
Where to Stay: Hotel Moresco, Palazzo Veneziano and Hotel Saturnia & International Venezia are highly recommended accommodations in Venice, Italy.
