Discover the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, the setting for the unforgettable scenes of the film “Gladiator.” Under the direction of Ridley Scott, this cinematic masterpiece immerses us in the heart of the Roman Empire with its grandiose sets and breathtaking views.
At 4:00 AM, the alarm goes off. Mana is already fresh and ready. After preparing our equipment the night before, we set off at 4:30 to arrive at sunrise. Although the site is only 23 km as the crow flies from the house, the winding roads extend the journey to over 50 km.
We witness the sunrise over the Val d’Orcia, where the hills are adorned with golden and pink hues… sublime. At 5:45, we arrive at the location. We are immediately enveloped by the magic of the place, imbued with an almost mystical aura that could be described as “Mana” – a Polynesian term for a supernatural energy that permeates places and people.
● Pienza, where “the Gladiator road” is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
● This sequence was not originally planned in the script, but Ridley Scott insisted on including it after seeing the golden wheat fields and tall cypress trees of Tuscany.
● Russell Crowe shared that filming the dream scenes on this road was one of the most peaceful experiences of his career. Between takes, he enjoyed walking through the fields and admiring the beauty of the Tuscan hills.
● In the film “Gladiator,” Maximus describes his estate as being located in Spain, in Trujillo, formerly known as Turgallium. However, this description presents a historical inconsistency: the kingdom of Spain was not officially formed until the 16th century. Before that period, the region was referred to as the Iberian Peninsula. The action of the film takes place in 180 AD, when the Iberian Peninsula was a Roman province, divided into Hispania Tarraconensis and Hispania Baetica.
● For aesthetic and logistical reasons, the scenes of his estate were therefore filmed in Tuscany.
The film “Gladiator,” directed by Ridley Scott, has left a lasting impression on the collective imagination with its epic scenes and stunning sets. Among these iconic locations, the beautiful region of Tuscany in Italy was prominently featured, especially around the small town of Pienza. It is below this town that you will find “the Gladiator road,” an iconic site that has captivated audiences worldwide. (Detailed map and GPS coordinates at the bottom of the article).
“THE GLADIATOR ROAD”
In the film, the road appears at two key moments: first, when Maximus rides swiftly on horseback to try to save his family from death…
… then a second time in his dreams, where he finds it again.
OFF-SCREEN
On Ridley Scott’s shot (see photo above), the camera focuses on the path and Maximus’s progress through the wheat fields. This framing does not reveal the full surrounding landscape. In the background, the majestic Mount Amiata, rising to 1,738 meters (5,702 feet) in altitude, can be seen. This ancient volcanic mountain, with its lush beech forests, dominates the panorama with its imposing silhouette.
The road that appears in the film, winding through the fields, leads to l’agriturismo Terrapile, a charming Tuscan farmhouse dating back to the 17th century that offers rooms and vacation apartments.
Today, “the Gladiator Road” attracts numerous visitors and film enthusiasts eager to relive a moment from the film and soak in the timeless beauty of Tuscany. As one walks along this path, the unique atmosphere that inspired the director becomes palpable, offering insight into why this location was chosen to represent the hero’s serene home.
This sequence was filmed with a Canon R5 + RF 35mm f/1.8 mounted on a Ronin RS3. Color grading was done using DaVinci Resolve.
INFO PHOTO/VIDEO
– The scene of Maximus walking through the wheat was filmed in the late afternoon. Mana and I visited the location at sunrise, on July 31st at 6:00 AM. The lighting was obviously different from the original sequence, with the sun rising behind the camera, slightly to the left.
– Site visitation: We encountered about a dozen people around 6:30 AM.
– In summer, the terrain takes on a characteristic yellow hue due to drought and the wheat harvest.
– At the exact spot where Russell Crowe was filmed, there is no longer any wheat, only some tall grasses.
THE HOUSE OF MAXIMUS
In “Gladiator,” the estate of Maximus is depicted as the Poggio Manzuoli, owned by Maria Eva Genna Barbarini. This location was selected for its authentic and picturesque setting, characterized by a grand cypress-lined avenue that enhances the charm and grandeur of the estate. Situated just a few kilometers from the renowned “Gladiator Road,” the domain is conveniently located near Pienza, at the entrance to the village of San Quirico d’Orcia.
The estate first appears at 44:40 minutes. A Roman guard is seen arriving among the cypress trees.
Attention: The road to the filming location is inaccessible by car (in very poor condition). About 300 meters from the spot, there is a space near a fountain where many visitors park despite the prohibition (visible on Google Maps). However, it is preferable to find a parking spot in Pienza, less than a kilometer away.
In the top right corner of the map below, you can choose between different map types (hybrid, satellite). To get directions to a location, click on its icon, then select “Directions.” This will open your route directly in Google Maps.
