Whether you believe movies today are better or more engaging is irrelevant, no one can watch a true golden age movie without being caught up in the romance and beauty of a simpler time. It would seem that nothing was more romantic to Hollywood at the time than Europe, the land too far away to be accessible by the average Joe but close enough for the culture to reach over the Atlantic. Here are three famous golden age movies set in Europe that anyone can relive by visiting a few key points.

Roman Holiday / Photo released under public domain

Roman Holiday – Rome

Staring the encapsulating Audrey Hepburn in her first Hollywood movie, Roman Holiday follows Princess Ann/Anya as she tries to escape the pressure of her obligations just for a day. Accompanied by journalist Joe, Hepburn tours the city and sees some of its famous sites complete with a scooter as the most applicable mode of transport.

If you’re heading to Rome for a holiday you can visit the historic Spanish Steps where Joe arranges to bump into Anya so he can convince her to accompany him. Built in 1717 these steps are an iconic landmark in Rome and lead up to the 16th Century church of Trinita dei Monti. At the bottom of the steps you’ll see the world famous Barcaccia Fountain. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath from a busy day of shopping in all the surrounding boutique shops.

The second site Joe takes Anya to is the La Bocca Della Verita, an ancient marble carving said to be from the 1st century.  Rumour has it that anyone who places their hand in the mouth and tells a lie will have their hand bitten off. Sat in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin tourists flock to test this mask and most come away with their hands intact.

To Catch A Thief – French Riviera

To Catch A Thief stared the beautiful Grace Kelly and Cary Grant and follows them as retired cat burglar John works to clear his name after a copycat starts stealing jewels. This film is set in the French Riviera making it the perfect setting for Kelly’s wealthy character Francie and her mother and of course a whole host of sparkling jewels – it’s the very definition of decadence.

The Riviera is the perfect setting for this film, not because of any specific sights but because of the general reputation of the Riviera. Its wonderful weather, crystal waters and golden beaches and of course an excess of wealth make it the perfect setting for a film about wealth and love.

If you’re heading over to the Riviera there is plenty to see just driving along the stunning coast (as highlighted in the film). If you love art then Saint-Paul De Vence is the centre in this region with galleries, artist’s homes and show rooms everywhere. If you’re looking for the level of wealth and decadence seen in the film then head over to Monaco, one of the most expensive areas in the world. You’ll find shops, gardens, museums all at the highest quality that can easily swallow days of a holiday.

The Prince and the Showgirl – London

The personal life behind Hollywood ledged Marilyn Monroe is irrelevant; you can’t watch her on screen and not be encapsulated by her innocent vulnerability.  As with so many of her roles, Monroe plays Elsie who initially appears strong but would dearly love to be rescued (much as Monroe was reported to be like when she was alive). Unlike the other two movies mentioned above, The Prince and the Showgirl isn’t set in any exotic or tropical climates, but in the reserved sophistication of London, England.

Elsie is a show girl who catches the attention of regent prince, Charles. Throughout the film we watch the Prince chase Elsie in an attempt to woo. She ends up proving she’s smarter and more insightful than he thought and they fall for each other.

There’s no city in the world like London for portraying a regal feeling without losing the romance and if you’re ever heading to London for a holiday there’s plenty to see. Obviously you’ve got an amazing selection of museums and theatres to see but if you just want to while away a few hours on a summers evening, take a stroll along the River Themes. Walk past the impressive Houses of Parliament and along the embankment. You’ll usually see lots of street performers asking for nothing more than a donation in their hat if you like what you see, the perfect romantic evening without spending a fortune.

Jessica writes for Live in Portugal providing banking services in Portugal for any UK residents.

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Bouzov castle is also possible birthplace of the Czech King Jiří z Poděbrad (George of Poděbrady), whose family – the lords of Kunštát – owned this castle from 1396 until the end of the 15th century. At the end of the 16th century almost the whole castle was destroyed by fire. The owners of the castle had not fully reconstructed it, but they tried to sell it. But there was nobody who would like to buy such a “ruin” so they forced Grand Master of the Order of the Teutonic Knights to buy it. In the 19th century the castle was rebuilt by a young Grand Master archduke Eugen of Austria in the style of German Neo-gothic. For the reconstruction was responsible Viennese architect Georg Hauberisser who designed the castle as a symbol of medieval traditions and the Teutonic Knights.

He built a new two-storey palace, demolished and restored the old high cylindrical tower. A magnificent furniture, including chairs, beds, tables and even a ceiling, was moved here from various castles. There were built the moat, walls with battlements, drawbridges and great medieval gates. At the same time was also equipped with very modern features, as it had functional bathroom, practical kitchen and phone. However until today it is not electrified.

Bouzov castle is now considered one of the most popular and most visited monuments in the Czech Republic. The castle was a place of several fairy tales, including Arabela, Fantaghirò, and Before the Fall, so if you want to get to the fairy tale for a while, do not wait and come!

The castle is opened from April to October during weekends and holidays only but daily from May to September and the basic admission is around €8. For further information visit official site of the castle (in Czech only).

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

Château de Chenonceau, in comparison to the other castles of the Loire, has a very calm and majestic appearance. It may be surprising that the castle is the work of women (was built and reconstructed according to the wishes of several noble women), therefore the castle is also known as the “Château des Dames” (Castle of women). For example, Catherine de Medici added amazing yew maze and a rose garden. Madame Dupin changed the castle to ​​a center of fashion in the 18th century.

Château de Chenonceau is standing on the site of the former water mill. It has been built between the years of 1513 and 1521. The current form of the castle dates back to the 16th century. In the years of 1556 – 1559 its typical bridge arches were added to the castle and connected the banks of the river.

In the castle you can admire the beautiful tapestries, magnificent paintings and original tile floors. No wonder that after Versailles it is the second most visited castle in France.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

The castle is open to the public, and features the magnificent interiors and beautiful gardens. There are even restaurants and galleries. It is also home to various regular exhibitions and concerts. Before visiting the Château de Chenonceau you can download audio guide of the castle from the official website of Château de Chenonceau.

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Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. It was built in the place where originally (in the 2nd century BC) stood Roman Spa, which was about 800 years later converted into a palace.

León Cathedral was completed in the 16th century. Today it is a wonderful building and since 1844 it is Spanish National Monument.

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Right at the entrance of the León Cathedral there are three decorated portals. Inside the cathedral there are more than 250 magnificent stained glass windows and a large circular window. Stained glass windows occupy more than 1800 m2.

In León Cathedral you also find cathedral’s museum. You can see there La Virgen Blanca, which is a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Then the treasury of the 16th century and the cloister decorated with frescoes by Nicolás Frances. Cathedral Museum is in the summer (July-September) open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. On Saturday it is open from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Cathedral is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

But the museum is open all year round, however opening hours are changing, it is better to look at the official site of the León Cathedral. Basic admission fee is 4 €.

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Among the most valuable sights in Montepulciano you can find Sant’Agostino church or ancient gate Porta al Prato. On the Piazza Grande there is the Gothic palace Palazzo Comunale from 14th century. From its tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings. Other palaces worth visiting are Palazzo Neri-Orselli, which is now a museum and a gallery, or the Palazzo del Monte Cantucci from 16th century. Not far from the center of the town you can visit a church of Santa Lucia. On the slope below the town of Montepulciano there is situated Renaissance pilgrim church of San Biagio, built by Antonio da Sangallo. In its interior you can see the original artistic decoration.

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The city’s history dates back to somewhere in the 200 BC, when it was strategically advantageous area at an altitude of 185 meters above sea level, inhabited by the Romans. They built massive walls around the settlement and built a city named Melita. Later also the palace, where they placed the headquarters of the government.

In 870 Mdina was occupied with the Arabs and was divided into two parts. The central part was surrounded by walls and deep moat, and was renamed Medina, which in Arabic means “city”. The remaining part called Rabat, which is now an independent city, or more like a suburb of Mdina. Due to the walls, Medina was not able to expand further, therefore, it remained almost unchanged. After leaving of the Arabs its name was changed to the original one – Mdina, and even today has the character, who in the 16th and 17 Century imprint Maltese nobles, which I later withdrew from the island.

In 1571 Valletta became the capital of Malta and Mdina was further often referred to as the Citta Vecchia (Old City). This name comes from the Middle Ages, when this place was home to many aristocrats and their descendants from Norman countries, Spain and Sicily. Many people at that time left the city, but most aristocratic families still lived in their residences. This made it possible to maintain their homes still in its original beauty. Most of the buildings in Mdina dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The paradox is that most younger baroque monuments were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1693.

Today Mdina is a traditional city with only less than 400 permanent residents. The town is called “Silent” or “Silent City”. It is caused by the fact that it is forbidden to enter the city walls by any motor vehicle. The city is ideal for walking and relaxing. Mdina is, with the city of Rabat, very attractive place, especially for the history lovers. You can walk through the ancient streets or enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Malta from the city walls.

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The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century, when there is a first mention. At that time, a castle was built in Gothic style and was called Luegg. Today’s version of the Renaissance castle dates from the 16th century. In 1810 was Predjamski Grad owned by Count Michael Coronini von Cronberg. In 1846 the castle was sold to Windischgrätz family. They owned it until the end of the second World War II, when it was nationalized by the Yugoslav Communist authorities and turned into a museum, which is still located here.

Predjamski Grad has 5 floors. Today the castle is one of the biggest attractions in this area. Tours take place only in the summer and lead through the 15 rooms and a gallery. There are lots of various events in the castle such as the medieval tournament Erazem. Also you can make a wedding ceremony here.

Predjamski Grad was used as the castle featured in the 1986 movie Armour of God (film) by Golden Harvest starring Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Rosamund Kwan and Lola Forner.

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Positano, Campania, Italy by Stefano Costantini

Positano is one of the world’s most beautiful resorts and, of course, one of the most expensive. The most renowned beaches here are sandy beaches Spiaggia Grande and Spiaggia Fornillo. There is also the rocky beach Scogliera. Of course you can do a wide range of activities here. The most popular is the diving and surfing. However the area is suitable for hiking as well. During the summer season Positano holds many festivals and celebrations. Among the most significant is the celebration of the landing Saraceno – “Festa di Santa Assunta” or Festival of Dance – “Premio Positano“.

The city was an important port during the 16th and 17th centuries, but later in the 19th century many people moved out and those remaining lived very poorly. Around the year of 1950 a poor fishing village has been discovered again and opened to a new and lucrative industry. Today the inhabitants live solely from tourism. Currently Positano has around 4,000 inhabitants.

Positano, Campania, Italy by Jensens

There are several sights that you can find here, but visitors are coming here mainly for romantic sunsets. One of the best ways to enjoy a sunset is sitting on the beach with a glass of Limoncello.

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Right through the center of the city leads the line which divided Cyprus into two Republics. It is still the capital and largest city of both Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Even today, the Turks called the city Lefkoşa and the Greeks as Lefkosia. However at present, the situation is not so difficult as before.

What to see in Nicosia?

• Huge city walls that have been built in 16th century by Venetians to protect the city against Turks. The 4,5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Famagusta gate is now used as a cultural centre.
• The Archbishop’s Palace with a Byzantine museum
• Eleftheria (Freedom) Square – the centre of the city
• Mosques, e.g. the Selimiye Mosque – ancient church in the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia

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La Rometta, Tivoli, Italy by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Above the falls just outside of town, you can find two temples. The temples include the Temple of Vespa and the Temple of Tiburtine Sibyl. The later was used for the worshiping of a water nymph named Albunea who was said to have lived along the banks of the Aniene River. The Temple of Tiburtine Sibyl was initially constructed in the 2nd century B.C. In 978, a church that was dedicated to Saint George had been built inside the temple, but no traces of the church exist today.

Just outside of the city of Tivoli you will also find the ruins of the Sanctuary of Hercules the Winner. When it was built back in the 2nd century B.C. it was considered to be the largest structure in the whole of Italy. Besides the temple dedicated to Hercules, the sanctuary also housed a large theater. Another temple dedicated to Hercules was also built outside of the city in the 4th century and featured 12 meter dome. The Temple of the Tosse would later be turned into a church.

Tivoli, Italy by Theodore Ferringer

In 1461, a fortress was built in Tivoli under orders of Pope Pius II. Known as Rocca Pia, the fortress is a very popular attraction in the city. There are many other fine attractions in Tivoli that dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Every year countless people make their way up to the city to see the sites and to get away from the large crowds that are common to Rome.

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