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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One of the best preserved and maintained monuments is a fortress Talao (Torre Talao). It offers a great view of miles of beaches and cliffs.

View Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy in a larger map

In the historical center of town you can see a Norman castle from 11th century, monastery, ruins of Judas tower, Palazzo dei Principi from 13th century, Church of San Nicola in Plateis from the 8th century, Palazzetto Normanno from 12th century, a former prison Cimalonga tower from 15th century and many more.

You can see here a lot of exotic plants. For example, cedar. The whole region was named right after this slow-growing tree as Cedar Riviera. The tree grows up to a height of 40 to 60 meters with a trunk diameter of 80-200 centimetres.

If you don’t find something you are looking for right in Scalea, then go to the neighboring national park – Parco Nazionale del Pollino. Here you can see another amount of plants as well as protected animals, caves and several gorges, such as Argentino River Valley, the gap in Lao or Romito cave with the pre-historic graffiti.

View Scalea – one of the most visited sea-site resorts in Calabria, Italy in a larger map

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Parma Baptisterium, Italy by Philip Schäfer

Up until the middle ages, the town of Parma was regularly attacked, plundered and destroyed. There were many such occasions in which the entire town was rebuilt from the ground up. However, there are still a number of beautiful sites in this small Italian town that dates back to the 11th century. The most famous attraction in Parma is a pink marble tower which can be found in the town’s center. Taking more than 60 years to construct, the Parma Baptisterium has become a symbol of the city. Shortly after its completion, the tower had been damaged by an earthquake requiring it to be rebuilt.

Anyone who visits Parma will have to make their way over to the Teatro Regio which is the city’s own opera house. Arturo Toscanini, the famous conductor was born in Parma and the Theater is now a museum which is dedicated to the life and genius of Toscanini.

Of course we would not have parmesan cheese if it were not for the town of Parma. The town is also known for its special ham recipes too. Today, Parma stands as the European Association for Food Safety’s official home. One cannot go to Parma without trying the many local delicacies which are world renowned. While the town may not have a lot in architectural attractions, the cheese and hams of Parma are an attraction in their own right.

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