Things to Do in Rome: A Visit to Cinecittà Studios
Visiting Cinecittà Studios allows you to discover a side of the Capital deeply tied to the history of Italian and international cinema. The studios, located along Via Tuscolana, stand as one of the most iconic landmarks of the European film industry and continue to hold immense cultural, production, and symbolic value today.
For travelers looking to enrich their stay with an experience beyond the traditional sight-seeing itineraries, Cinecittà offers a unique way to view the Capital through the lens of visual storytelling. Sets, costumes, stage design, archives, and exhibition spaces showcase how cinema helped build a core part of the imagery surrounding Rome.
The visit is ideal not only for movie buffs, but also for anyone interested in exploring a place where art, technique, craftsmanship, and collective memory converge.
The Capital's "dream factory"
Cinecittà is often dubbed the "dream factory" for its pivotal role in producing legendary films, television broadasts, and audiovisual works. Throughout the 20th century, its soundstages hosted directors, actors, set designers, costume creators, technicians, and crew members who drove the growth of Italian and world cinema.
Its close association with directors like Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, Vittorio De Sica, Sergio Leone, and Ettore Scola cemented the prestige of the Studios, turning them into a global cultural landmark. The true strength of Cinecittà lies in its seamless blend of artistic production and technical expertise, turning ideas, places, and stories into iconic images for the big screen.
"Cinecittà Shows Off" and public exhibition tours
One of the most engaging aspects of the visit is Cinecittà Shows Off (Cinecittà si Mostra), an exhibition route that allows visitors to explore the history of the Studios and the various stages of film creation. Through photographs, costumes, original props, set pieces, interactive displays, and multimedia content, guests gain a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes magic that brings movies to life.
The displays highlight every facet of production, from film crafts and set construction to directing, production design, costuming, and production management. This makes the experience inspiring for film enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The inclusion of MIAC (the Italian Museum of Audiovisual and Cinema) further enriches the visit, offering a broader perspective on the evolution of moving images and the relationship between film, television, and modern culture.
Film sets and cinematic imagery
A standout highlight of the tour is exploring the outdoor sets. Walking through these physical backdrops offers an up-close look at how cinema recreates eras, cities, and atmospheres—transforming raw materials, visual perspective, and architectural details into a rich visual narrative.
Some set spaces replicate ancient historical settings, while others feature urban reconstructions created for major film and television productions. For visitors, this reveals that movie magic isn't just born in front of the camera, but through meticulous design, craft, and spatial imagination.
A different Rome, between the 20th century and today
Cinecittà Studios offers a fascinating destination for those wanting to experience a Rome less defined by ancient ruins and more connected to 20th-century culture and contemporary life. The visit reveals a site that projected Rome's image onto the world stage, while maintaining an active role in modern production and culture.
Located right along Via Tuscolana, the Studios are easy to reach from central Rome, making them a smooth addition to an itinerary focused on modern Rome, cinema, and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.
Why visit Cinecittà Studios during your stay in Rome
Adding Cinecittà Studios to your list of things to do in Rome enhances your trip with a refreshing cultural experience that merges cinema history, set design, artistic heritage, and audiovisual arts.
For guests staying at a hotel in central Rome, a visit provides an opportunity to explore beyond monumental landmarks into a space that helped shape how the world sees Rome. Cinecittà opens up the city through an entirely new medium—that of pictures, set designs, and stories brought to life on the silver screen.
