The film Benedetta was primarily filmed in various locations across Italy and France, chosen for their historical authenticity and simplicity to suit the film's aesthetic.
Filming Locations Breakdown
Director Paul Verhoeven aimed for a minimalist and historically accurate representation of 17th-century settings. This led to the selection of specific sites in both countries to portray the film's diverse environments, from bustling village squares to solemn convent interiors.
Italian Locations
Much of the exterior filming and village scenes took place in Italy:
- Bevagna: The charming medieval town of Bevagna, located in the Umbria region of Italy, served as the primary location for the village square scenes. Its well-preserved historical architecture provided an authentic backdrop for the period.
- Tuscany: Broader exterior shots and other scenic elements were captured across the picturesque region of Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns, which contributed to the film's atmospheric setting.
French Locations
The intimate and sacred spaces of the convent were brought to life using two historic abbeys in France:
- Abbaye du Thoronet: This Cistercian abbey, located in Provence, France, was one of the two key sites used for shooting the interior sequences within the convent. Its austere Romanesque architecture provided a stark and fitting environment for the cloistered life depicted.
- Abbaye de Silvacane: Also a Cistercian abbey in Provence, France, Abbaye de Silvacane complemented Thoronet, serving as the second primary location for the convent interior scenes. Its similar architectural style helped maintain visual continuity for the film's monastic settings.
Summary of Filming Locations
To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the main filming locations for Benedetta:
| Scene Type | Specific Location | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Village Square Scenes | Bevagna | Italy |
| Other Exterior Scenes | Tuscany | Italy |
| Convent Interior Sequences | Abbaye du Thoronet | France |
| Convent Interior Sequences | Abbaye de Silvacane | France |
These carefully selected locations collectively contributed to the film's immersive historical atmosphere, capturing the essence of the period in which Benedetta Carlini lived.
