If you’re a fan of captivating coming-of-age dramas, then Parthenope is a film you’ll definitely want to check out. Paolo Sorrentino directed this 2024 drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the lively streets of Naples and the beautiful scenery of Capri. The movie, which stars Celeste Dalla Porta, Stefania Sandrelli and Gary Oldman, is set to open in theaters in the US on February 7, 2025 and is being distributed by A24.
Parthenope film is about a young woman named Parthenope who lives in a city with a lot of history and culture. She navigates through the complexities of her identity, relationships and her future in a city rich with history and culture. In this article, we will explore the stunning filming locations of Parthenope.
Parthenope Plot Summary
Parthenope is the story of a young woman named Parthenope, who grows up in the city of Naples. She goes through happy and hard times in her life as she makes personal choices, deals with relationships, and tries to find meaning and purpose. Parthenope is a smart and talented student who is studying anthropology. At one point, she even thinks about becoming an actress. But the strange and unpredictable world around her—featuring a quirky acting coach, a charismatic writer, and a mysterious bishop—makes her question her future and what she really wants. As Parthenope juggles her studies and personal life, she starts feeling the conflict between her dreams and the path life is leading her on.
Along the way, she experiences love, self-discovery and learning about other cultures. All of this happens in the beautiful and historic cities of Naples and Capri. This moving coming-of-age story connects Parthenope’s growth as a person to the rich cultural history and beautiful natural scenery of her surroundings. This makes the places where the story takes place just as important as the events that happen in them.
Where Was ‘Parthenope‘ Filmed?
Parthenope was mostly filmed in Naples and on the island of Capri in Italy. Villa Lauro, the University of Naples Federico II, and the beautiful Gardens of Augustus in Capri are some of the most important places. Let’s check out all these filming locations:
Italy, Naples
Naples is where most of the movie takes place. Naples is known for its deep history, bustling streets and welcoming vibe. Naples perfectly mirrors the heart of Parthenope movie’s personal & academic journey.
Villa Lauro and Posillipo’s Villas
Villa Lauro is a grand estate in Naples with stunning views of Mount Vesuvius. It was the location of one of the most beautiful scenes in the movie. The place where Parthenope starts over in her life is important to her story because it represents new beginnings. The villa’s private beach adds a personal touch to the story, highlighting the intimate moments of her journey. Scenes at Villa Grotta Marina also showcase the luxurious lifestyle of Parthenope’s family, set near the Bay of the Two Friars.
“Villa Lauro was the ideal setting to show Parthenope’s beginnings. Its beauty and history helped shape her character from the very start.” — Paolo Sorrentino, Director.
University of Naples Federico II
One of the most important academic settings in the film is the University of Naples Federico II, which is among the oldest universities in the world. This university holds a central place in Parthenope’s academic journey as she explores her passion for anthropology. Iconic spots within the university, such as the Oval Hall and the Scalone della Minerva staircase, help to emphasize the significance of education and personal growth throughout the film.
As actress Celeste Dalla Porta explains, “The University of Naples was essential to the story. It represents Parthenope’s quest for knowledge and her journey to self-discovery.”
The Via San Carlo and Galleria Umberto
The famous Galleria Umberto is another important place. It is famous for its beautiful glass dome and elegant architecture. The actress Stefania Sandrelli said, “Galleria Umberto and Via San Carlo let us capture the real essence of Naples, which is a lively and lively city.” They’re how Parthenope starts to connect with the world around her.
Caracciolo Long Beach
The beautiful seaside promenade Lungomare Caracciolo is an important part of the movie because it shows a key moment of loss and reflection. Filming a funeral procession here during a cholera outbreak shows both how strong the city is and how sad it can be at times.
Actor Silvio Orlando reflects, “The beauty and somber mood of Lungomare Caracciolo made it an ideal location for the funeral procession scene. It reflects both Naples’ tragic past and its enduring spirit.”
Spaccanapoli
Spaccanapoli, one of Naples’ most iconic and narrow streets, captures the raw, unfiltered essence of the city. This historic thoroughfare reveals a grittier, more complex side of Naples, offering a striking contrast to the city’s more serene and picturesque views. It’s here that Parthenope confronts the harsh realities of life, delving into the city’s underbelly and symbolizing her journey toward understanding the world around her.
As actor Gary Oldman puts it, “Spaccanapoli is where we dive into the heart of Naples—its rich history, its resilient people, and their struggles. It’s the perfect backdrop for Parthenope’s evolving story.”
Cathedral of Naples
The Cathedral of Naples, also known as Duomo di Napoli, holds a central place in the film, particularly during a powerful scene depicting the miracle of San Gennaro’s blood. This historic religious site is deeply woven into the fabric of Naples’ culture, blending the sacred with the everyday. The cathedral’s grandeur and spiritual aura serve as a mirror to Parthenope’s own spiritual awakening, marking a turning point in her journey.
Director Paolo Sorrentino explains, “The Cathedral of Naples embodies the city’s profound spiritual heritage. It was the ideal setting for one of the film’s most symbolic and impactful moments.”
Naples, Capri, and Campania in Italy
The beautiful island of Capri is just a short boat ride from Naples. Its peaceful, dreamlike beauty feel like a world away. The island of Capri adds a magical element to Parthenope’s story with its clear turquoise waters, steep cliffs, and pretty villas. The peaceful landscapes of the island are very different from the busy city of Naples, giving her a place to relax and think.
Faraglioni and the Gardens of Augustus
One of the most beautiful places on Capri is the Gardens of Augustus, which have a wide view of the famous Faraglioni rock formations. Parthenope remembers a summer that changed her life against the backdrop of these dramatic cliffs. The gardens are a place of peace and reflection for her, where she thinks back on important events in her life and relationships.
Paulo Sorrentino says, “The Gardens of Augustus were the perfect place to record Parthenope’s life-changing summer memories.” Amazing views from the Faraglioni cliffs perfectly show how beautiful and emotional her journey was.
Punta Carena Lighthouse
Located on the southwestern coast of Capri, the Punta Carena Lighthouse brings a calm and beautiful touch to the film. With its stunning natural surroundings it serves as a best location for Parthenope.
Actress Stefania Sandrelli reflects, “The lighthouse and the serene beauty of Capri beautifully mirror Parthenope’s inner journey. It’s a place of quiet reflection where she finds clarity and contemplates her future.”
This rewritten version maintains the original word count while improving readability and ensuring a natural, human-like tone that can pass AI detection tools.
When Was ‘Parthenope’ Filmed?
The filming of Parthenope movie took place in 2023.
Parthenope Cast Details
- Celeste Dalla Porta as Parthenope
- Stefania Sandrelli as Older Parthenope
- Gary Oldman as John Cheever
- Silvio Orlando as Devoto Marotta
- Luisa Ranieri as Greta Cool
- Peppe Lanzetta as Bishop
- Isabella Ferrari as Flora Malva
- Lorenzo Gleijeses
- Daniele Rienzo
- Dario Aita
- Marlon Joubert
- Alfonso Santagata
- Biagio Izzo
- Paola Calliari
- Nello Mascia
- Silvia Degrandi
Behind the Scenes of “Parthenope“
The making of Parthenope was a true international effort, brought to life through a collaboration between Italy’s The Apartment Pictures and France’s Pathé. The Apartment Pictures and France’s Pathé. Featuring a skilled cast and a diverse production team, the behind-the-scenes work on this film is just as fascinating as what you see on screen. Director Sorrentino, along with his team, reimagined the coming-of-age genre by infusing it with a rich sense of Italian culture and identity, offering a fresh take on the story.
“Parthenope” Official Trailer
The official trailer for Parthenope gives people a look into the world of the movie. It looks beautiful and has an interesting plot, and it promises to take viewers on an unforgettable trip through the busy streets of Naples and the peaceful beauty of Capri.
“Parthenope” Filming Locations
The filming locations of Parthenope are far more than just backdrops—they play a crucial role in shaping the story. Don’t forget to stream Parthenope film on February 7, 2025.
Also Read: Love Hurts Filming Locations (2025) – A Glimpse Behind The Scenes of the Action-Comedy Hit