Call Me By Your Name left an indelible mark on audiences, not only for its poignant story of first love but also for its breathtaking visuals. The sun-drenched Italian countryside, with its rolling hills, charming towns, and majestic villas, became almost a character in itself, deeply intertwined with Elio and Oliver’s burgeoning romance. This article delves into the real-life locations in Italy that served as the backdrop for Call Me By Your Name, revealing the magic behind its captivating visuals and exploring the real places that brought the story to life. It answers the burning question: where was Call Me By Your Name filmed, truly?
The Heart of the Film: Villa Albergoni
The Villa Albergoni, a sprawling estate nestled in the Lombardy region, is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic location from Call Me By Your Name. This grand residence served as the Perlman family’s summer home, the idyllic setting for Elio’s intellectual and emotional awakening. Built in the sixteenth century, the Villa Albergoni boasts a faded grandeur, its slightly weathered facade adding to its charm and sense of timelessness.
The villa is characterized by its ochre-colored walls, green shutters, and a sprawling garden filled with mature trees, blossoming flowers, and the sounds of cicadas. The interior, though not entirely as it appears in the film (some scenes were shot on a soundstage), contributes significantly to the feeling of familial warmth and intellectual stimulation. Imagine Elio practicing piano in the music room, sunlight streaming through the open windows, or the Perlman family engaging in lively discussions around the dining table. These images are inextricably linked to the villa itself.
Countless scenes unfolded within the villa’s walls. The terrace became a stage for quiet observations and hesitant conversations between Elio and Oliver. The library, filled with books in multiple languages, represented the family’s intellectual curiosity and openness. Even the swimming pool, a shimmering oasis in the summer heat, was a place where tensions simmered and unspoken desires began to surface.
The Villa Albergoni is a privately-owned property, not typically open to the public. However, its significance to the film’s atmosphere cannot be overstated. The director, Luca Guadagnino, intentionally chose a location that exuded both beauty and a sense of history, a place where time seemed to slow down, allowing the characters to fully immerse themselves in their emotions. The very walls of the villa seemed to hold the secrets of generations, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. The villa provides an almost palpable sense of history and comfortable wealth, making it the perfect setting for the intellectual and somewhat privileged Perlman family.
Exploring the Town of Crema and its Surroundings
While the Villa Albergoni provides the intimate setting for much of the film’s drama, the nearby town of Crema is where Elio and Oliver venture out into the wider world, experiencing the joys and uncertainties of their burgeoning relationship. Crema, a charming town in the Lombardy region, offers a glimpse into everyday Italian life, with its bustling piazzas, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
The Piazza del Duomo, Crema’s main square, serves as a backdrop for several scenes, a place where Elio and Oliver stroll, observe the local life, and begin to connect on a deeper level. While the Crema Cathedral itself is not explicitly featured, its presence adds to the overall sense of history and cultural richness. The town’s shops and cafes, with their inviting displays and aromas, contribute to the feeling of authenticity, allowing viewers to feel as if they are experiencing a genuine slice of Italian life. Exploring the streets of Crema gives the viewer a sense of being transported back to the summer of the story, surrounded by the same beauty and atmosphere that enveloped Elio and Oliver.
Cycling plays a significant role in the film, representing freedom, exploration, and the simple pleasures of summer. Elio and Oliver spend countless hours cycling through the countryside, exploring the hidden lanes, vineyards, and orchards that surround Crema. These cycling scenes provide a visual feast, showcasing the natural beauty of the Lombardy region and adding to the film’s overall sense of romantic escapism. The open road becomes a metaphor for their journey of self-discovery, a place where they can shed their inhibitions and embrace the possibilities of the future. These cycling scenes also give a glimpse into the everyday life of the region, showcasing the beauty of the everyday.
The war memorial located near Crema is another significant location, a place where Elio and Oliver share a particularly tender and vulnerable moment. This somber setting provides a stark contrast to the film’s otherwise idyllic atmosphere, reminding viewers of the complexities and challenges that lie beyond the carefree summer days. It’s a quiet, reflective space that accentuates the beauty of their love while acknowledging the world outside their summer bubble. This subtle juxtaposition emphasizes the ephemeral nature of their connection, making it all the more precious.
Beyond Crema: Hidden Gems and Lakeside Views
While Crema and the Villa Albergoni form the core of the Call Me By Your Name filming locations, other nearby areas contribute to the film’s visual richness. The shores of Lago di Garda, with its shimmering waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, provides a stunning setting for a memorable scene. The vast expanse of the lake mirrors the vastness of Elio’s emotions, reflecting the joy, the longing, and the uncertainty that he experiences throughout the summer. The cool water of the lake offers a sense of respite from the summer heat and the emotional intensity of the relationship.
Fontanile Quarantina, a natural spring area, is another location that adds to the film’s sense of place. This serene and secluded spot becomes a refuge for Elio and Oliver, a place where they can escape the prying eyes of the world and connect on a deeper level. The natural beauty of the spring, with its clear waters and lush vegetation, provides a fitting backdrop for their intimate moments. It’s a hidden gem, a secret place that underscores the intimacy of their connection.
The nearby town of Bagnolo Cremasco also contributed to the film’s scenery. While perhaps not as prominently featured as Crema, the town’s architecture and atmosphere helped to create the overall sense of authenticity and charm. These smaller towns, with their unique character and history, add depth and texture to the film’s portrayal of the Lombardy region.
The Italian Setting: A Character in Itself
The Italian setting of Call Me By Your Name is more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the story, influencing the characters, shaping their experiences, and contributing to the film’s overall themes. The sun-drenched landscapes, the rich culture, and the relaxed pace of life create an atmosphere of sensuality, freedom, and discovery, allowing Elio and Oliver to fully immerse themselves in their emotions.
The director, Luca Guadagnino, has spoken extensively about the importance of location in his films, emphasizing his desire to create a strong sense of place that resonates with the audience. He meticulously chose locations that exuded beauty, history, and a sense of authenticity, wanting viewers to feel as if they were transported to a different time and place.
The Italian setting also reflects the themes of cultural exchange and intellectual curiosity that are central to the film. The Perlman family, with their multilingual fluency and appreciation for art, music, and literature, embodies the cosmopolitan spirit of the region. Their open-mindedness and acceptance create a safe space for Elio and Oliver to explore their identities and connect with each other on a deeper level. The beauty and antiquity of the setting lends a certain timelessness to the story, suggesting that such stories of love and self-discovery have been playing out across generations in these very spaces.
Visiting the Locations: A Journey of Discovery
For those who have been captivated by Call Me By Your Name, visiting the filming locations offers a chance to step into the world of the film and experience its beauty firsthand. While the Villa Albergoni remains a private residence, it is still possible to view it from the outside and imagine the scenes that unfolded within its walls.
Exploring the town of Crema, with its charming piazzas, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, is a must for any fan of the film. Cycling through the countryside, following in the footsteps of Elio and Oliver, is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the Lombardy region. And of course, a visit to Lago di Garda offers a chance to admire the stunning views and reflect on the film’s themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
It’s important to remember that these are real places, inhabited by real people. When visiting the filming locations, it’s essential to be respectful of the local communities and their way of life. By being mindful and considerate, we can help to preserve the beauty and authenticity of these places for generations to come.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impression
The Call Me By Your Name filming locations, from the grandeur of the Villa Albergoni to the charm of Crema and the beauty of Lago di Garda, played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. These locations, carefully chosen by the director, created a strong sense of place, enhanced the film’s themes, and contributed to its overall success. The visual beauty of the settings is inextricably linked to the emotional impact of the story.
These sun-kissed Italian landscapes linger in our memory long after the credits roll. They remind us of the power of love, the beauty of youth, and the enduring appeal of the human heart. They serve as a reminder that even in the most fleeting of moments, we can find connection, meaning, and a sense of belonging. The real magic, perhaps, lies in the way these locations helped weave a tapestry of unforgettable moments, making Call Me By Your Name a cinematic masterpiece. These places have become synonymous with a story that continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The enduring power of the film lies, in part, with its ability to transport us to a specific time and place, allowing us to experience the beauty and intensity of first love through the lens of the Italian summer.
