Where Was Twilight Filmed in Italy?

It doesn’t matter if you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob – if you’re a fan of the Twilight saga (or you’re traveling with a teen fan), you’ll enjoy checking out where Twilight: New Moon was filmed in Italy.

Twilight Scenes Were Filmed in Montepulciano, Italy

In the second book of Stephenie Meyers’s Twilight series, Volterra is the setting for some of the film’s most dramatic and important scenes.  While Volterra, Italy is a real town in Tuscany, Italy, the Volterra scenes for the movie Twilight: New Moon were filmed in Montepulciano, Italy.

Want to know more about visiting Montepulciano?
Check out our Guide To Montepulciano!

Why Did Author Stephenie Meyer Choose Volterra For The Home Of The Volturi?

Before deciding on the exact location of the New Moon scenes, Meyer had decided (and written) that the exact location (whether real or fictional), would be about 2 hours from Florence and would have a piazza and clock tower fitting her descriptions.

After those decisions were made, she took out a paper map of Italy, started looking around, and was intrigued to see a town in Tuscany named Volterra, so similar to ‘Volturi.’  She Googled the town and was stunned to see the photos were nearly identical to what she had imagined for the book.

Why Was Montepulciano Chosen Over Volterra For The New Moon Film?

Montepulciano and Volterra have very similar-looking main squares with clock towers.  While the exact reasons were never officially announced, it was probably due to the easier access to Montepulciano, as well as more places for the film and crew to stay during filming. 

Montepulciano has plenty of experience with film crews and sets, having been the chosen location for many US and Italian films.

When Was Twilight Filmed In Italy?

The Montepulciano scenes were filmed at the end of May 2009.  The town was buzzing with the energy of thousands of girls hoping to see vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). 

Where Is Montepulciano, Italy?

Montepulciano is a village in the southern part of Tuscany, in central Italy.

How Do You Pronounce Montepulciano, Italy?

Montepulciano is pronounced mohn-tay-pool-CHAH-noh.

Scenes From Twilight: New Moon That Were Filmed In Montepulciano

Alice and Bella Swan Driving in the Yellow Porsche Scene

You can see the yellow Porsche driving on the roads leading to Montepulciano, including near the San Biagio temple, just below the town.

Yellow Porsche Entering Town Scene

This scene was filmed at the Porta al Prato, the main porta (or gate/door) of Montepulciano.

Scene When Yellow Porsche is Stopped by the Police

The police stop the Porsche in Piazza San Francesco.

Scene When Bella Runs Through the Crowd to Save Edward’s Life

This scene was filmed in Piazza Grande, right in front of the Palazzo del Comune.  There were over 1000 extras in red robes.  If you visit the piazza, you’ll notice something’s missing – the large fountain.  The 7-meter tall fountain from the movie was actually constructed out just for the movie and it even functioned!

Scene Where Edward and Bella Meet in the Large Doorway

The two meet up under the large doorway of the Palazzo Comunale (in Piazza Grande).

Volturi Scenes

The Volturi scenes were filmed in a few locations in Montepulciano, including the Palazzo Comunale in Piazza Grande and the Cantina de’ Ricci Wine Cellar (where Bella and Edward are kept prisoner).

Visiting Montepulciano To See The New Moon Filming Locations

Montepulciano is easy to reach by car (it’s an easy day trip from Florence), and worth a wander to see the locations and the beautiful Tuscan town. 

You can pick up a New Moon Set Map and Guide at the Tourist Information office in Piazza Grande.  From there, retrace the steps of the actors in the scenes listed above (and even a few more.).

I’ll leave you with this video of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews during the filming of New Moon in Montepulciano:

Twilight in Italy FAQ