Quick Facts
- The Real Solitano: While Marcello’s family village is set in the rolling hills of Italy, it was actually filmed in Ostia Antica, a stunning medieval borgo just 40 minutes from the center of Rome.
- A Roman Record: The production utilized over 40 unique locations across Rome and its outskirts to film only four episodes of Season 4, Part 2.
- The Italian Chapter: Creator Darren Star confirmed that the move to Italy is an "Italian Chapter" rather than a permanent rebrand; the show remains Emily in Paris.
- The "Cucinelli" Connection: The fictional brand Muratori is heavily inspired by the real-life luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli, though the filming took place entirely in the coastal Roman district of Ostia rather than Umbria.
Emily’s New Italian Chapter: From the Seine to the Tiber
Sometimes it takes leaving home to remind you it’s where you belong—or perhaps, it just takes a handsome Italian on a Vespa to convince you that your heart has room for more than one European capital. In the second half of Season 4, Emily in Paris fans were treated to a breathtaking shift in scenery as Emily Cooper traded her Parisian pain au chocolat for Roman gelato. The transition from the banks of the Seine to the ancient whispers of the Tiber wasn't just a plot device; it was what creator Darren Star calls a "Roman Holiday" for the modern age.
"I think Emily is a character who is constantly expanding her horizons," Star explained in a recent interview. He was quick to reassure fans that despite the change in zip code, the show isn’t becoming Emily in Rome permanently. Instead, he views this move as an "Italian Chapter," a chance to see Emily navigate a culture that, while neighboring France, feels worlds apart in its rhythm, style, and approach to "la dolce vita."
This expansion into Italy allowed the production team to explore the rich, sun-drenched textures of Rome and Venice, bringing a fresh, golden-hued aesthetic to the series. Whether you're swooning over Marcello’s family estate or wondering where Emily enjoyed that picturesque rooftop breakfast, the real-life locations are just as magical as they appear on screen.
The Real 'Solitano': Where is Marcello's Village?
One of the most frequent questions from fans following the Season 4 finale is: Where is Solitano? In the show, Solitano is portrayed as a pastoral, secluded village where the Muratori family runs their global cashmere empire. While the show hints that it’s tucked away in the countryside (inspired by the real-life village of Solomeo in Umbria, home to Brunello Cucinelli), the production stayed much closer to the capital.
The fictional village of Solitano was filmed entirely in Ostia Antica. Located approximately 40 minutes southwest of central Rome, Ostia Antica is famous for its massive archaeological site of ancient Roman ruins, but the production focused on the Borgo, a small, impeccably preserved medieval village surrounding the Castle of Julius II.
The choice of Ostia Antica allowed the crew to capture the intimate, "frozen-in-time" feel of an Italian village without moving the entire production deep into the mountains. Every cobblestone alley, the rustic town square where Emily and Marcello shared a moment, and the ivy-clad walls are part of this Roman coastal district. Despite the script’s nod to the Umbrian lifestyle, 100% of the Solitano scenes were shot within the reach of the Roman sea breeze.
Book a Guided Tour of Ostia Antica →
Living the Suite Life: Emily’s Roman Hotels
When Emily arrives in the Eternal City, she doesn't just stay anywhere; she resides in the lap of Roman luxury. The show features several of the city’s most prestigious addresses, each offering a distinct flavor of Italian hospitality.
- Hotel Eden: This is perhaps the most prominent hotel featured. Emily is seen enjoying a lavish breakfast at La Terrazza, the hotel’s Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant. The view from here is legendary, offering a 180-degree panorama of the city’s domes and rooftops. Darren Star noted that the hotel’s connection to Federico Fellini, who often stayed there, added a layer of cinematic history to the shoot.
- Hotel De Russie: Located near the Piazza del Popolo, this was actually where Darren Star lived during the filming process. Known for its "Secret Garden," the hotel captures the sophisticated, high-fashion energy that Emily Cooper embodies.
- Orient Express La Minerva: Another key rooftop spot used in the production, this hotel is situated in a 17th-century palazzo right next to the Pantheon. Its terrace provides one of the most intimate views of the Pantheon’s dome, making it a perfect backdrop for Emily’s high-stakes business meetings and romantic entanglements.
A 'Roman Holiday' on Two Wheels: Iconic Landmarks
You can’t film in Rome without paying homage to the landmarks that have defined "The Eternal City" for centuries. Emily’s introduction to Rome is a whirlwind of moped rides and sun-soaked strolls that feel like a love letter to the 1953 classic Roman Holiday.
The Trevi Fountain serves as a focal point for Emily’s romantic journey. In a classic "Roman Holiday moment," we see Emily participating in the coin-tossing ritual—one coin to return to Rome, two for a new romance, and three for marriage. The production team had the rare opportunity to film at the fountain during the early morning hours to capture its majesty without the usual throngs of tourists.
Another breathtaking location is the Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). This is where Emily experiences the daily tradition of the noon cannon fire, a ritual that has occurred every day since 1847 to signal the exact time to the city's church bells. The panoramic views from the Janiculum are among the best in Rome, framing the city’s "golden arches" and ancient steeples against the Italian sky.
Then there are the Spanish Steps. While Emily looks effortlessly chic descending these steps, travelers should heed a modern warning.
Pro-Tip: Since 2019, Rome has strictly prohibited sitting on the Spanish Steps to preserve the monument. Local police are vigilant, and fines for sitting can reach up to €400. Take your photos standing up to avoid an expensive souvenir!
The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine also make appearances during the high-speed moped tours. The production made sure to highlight the contrast between the ancient stone of these monuments and the modern, vibrant energy of Emily’s Italian escapade.
Hidden Gems & Celebrity Favorites
While the major landmarks provide the scale, the "Hidden Gems" of the city provide the soul. One of the most enchanting scenes involves Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) performing the song "Beautiful Ruins" next to the Fontana delle Tartarughe (The Turtle Fountain) in the Piazza Mattei. This 16th-century fountain, located in the quiet Jewish Ghetto district, is a favorite among locals for its intricate design and serene atmosphere.
Speaking of the Jewish Ghetto, the cast frequently dined at Hosteria da Giggetto, a historic restaurant founded in 1923. Known for its traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine—especially the carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes)—it’s a place where history and flavor collide.
For fans who want to shop like the cast, Ashley Park has been vocal about her love for the Monti District. Once a gritty suburra in ancient times, it is now Rome’s trendiest neighborhood, filled with vintage boutiques and artisan shops. Park specifically highlighted SuperOdra as a must-visit for unique finds.
Ashley Park's Top 5 Roman Spots:
- The Monti District: For vintage shopping and people-watching.
- Fontana delle Tartarughe: The most romantic singing spot in the city.
- Hosteria da Giggetto: For the best artichokes in Italy.
- L’Antico Forno Roscioli: A legendary bakery near Campo de' Fiori.
- The Gianicolo Hill: For the best sunset view and the noon-day cannon.
The Venice Finale: Logistics of the Canals
While Rome dominates the "Italian Chapter," the production also ventured north to the floating city of Venice. Filming in Venice presents a unique set of challenges compared to Paris or Rome. Without cars, the entire production—cameras, lights, and crew—had to be transported via a complex system of water taxis and flat-bottomed cargo boats.
The Venice scenes focus on the sheer opulence of the city. Emily is seen navigating the canals near the St. Regis Venice, specifically at Gio’s Restaurant, which overlooks the Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The production also utilized the rooftop of Hotel Danieli, offering views that make the Venetian lagoon look like a painting. Navigating the crowds in St. Mark's Square required military-style precision, often filming at the break of dawn to capture the city’s eerie, quiet beauty before the cruise ships arrived.
Behind the Scenes: Production Statistics
The move to Italy was a massive undertaking for the Emily in Paris team. To bring these four episodes to life, the production utilized over 40 unique locations across Rome, Ostia, and Venice. Unlike the Parisian scenes, where many interiors are filmed on soundstages at the Cité du Cinéma, the Italian production relied heavily on real-life interiors to capture the authentic Roman light.
Interestingly, while the Italian scenery is 100% real, some of the "Italian" office spaces weren't quite what they seemed. For example, the new Agence Grateau Roman office—where Sylvie and her team set up shop—was actually a set constructed back in Paris. This allowed the production to maintain consistency with the show’s established visual language while still allowing the actors to step out of the "office" and directly onto the real streets of Rome.
Filming Location vs. Real Name
| Show Location | Real-Life Filming Location |
|---|---|
| Solitano Village | Ostia Antica (Rome District) |
| Muratori Family Estate | A private villa in the Roman countryside |
| Agence Grateau Rome | Interior set in Paris / Exterior in the Monti District |
| Emily’s Breakfast Spot | La Terrazza at Hotel Eden |
| Mindy’s Street Performance | Fontana delle Tartarughe (Piazza Mattei) |
| Marcello’s Roman Office | Palazzo Brancaccio |
Practical Guide for Fans Visiting Rome
If you’re planning your own "Emily in Rome" itinerary, timing is everything. To avoid the massive influencer crowds at the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps, aim to visit during the "shoulder seasons" of late April to May or late September to October. The light is golden, the weather is mild, and the city feels less like a theme park and more like the living museum it is.
To visit the real "Solitano," take the Roma Lido train from the Ostiense station. It’s a simple 25-minute train ride to the Ostia Antica stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the medieval Borgo. You can spend the morning exploring the ancient Roman ruins and the afternoon sipping an aperitivo in the same square where Emily and Marcello walked.
Book a Stay at the Real-Life Hotel Eden →
FAQ
Q: Is the village of Solitano a real place I can visit? A: Solitano is fictional, but you can visit its real-life filming location, Ostia Antica. It is a charming medieval village and archaeological site located just outside Rome.
Q: Did the show move to Rome permanently? A: No. Creator Darren Star has confirmed that while Season 5 will feature Rome prominently, the show remains Emily in Paris. Think of it as Emily expanding her career across borders.
Q: Is the brand Muratori real? A: Muratori is a fictional brand created for the show. However, it is heavily based on the real-life luxury Italian cashmere brand Brunello Cucinelli, which is known for its "humanistic capitalism" and its headquarters in the village of Solomeo.
Follow Emily’s Footsteps
Ready to live your own Italian dream? Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or shopping for vintage treasures in the Monti district, Rome offers a magic that even Emily Cooper couldn't have predicted. Pack your most colorful wardrobe, hop on a Vespa, and discover the "Eternal City" for yourself.
