Catalonia has hosted several shoots of mythical Hollywood films that have remained forever in the collective imagination of cinema. Here are some of the highlights:

• Cardona and “Chimes at Midnight” by Orson Welles

Cardona is a true cinematic treasure thanks to “Chimes at Midnight” (1964), directed by Orson Welles. The Cardona fortress is the backdrop of this masterpiece, and the visit “Orson Welles and the Castle of Cardona” offers you the opportunity to visit the most emblematic filming locations, such as the ducal courtyard, the cloister and the collegiate church of Sant Vicenç.

The Cardona Historical Foundation plays a fundamental role in fostering Welles’ legacy in the municipality. Through guided tours and activities, fascinating anecdotes about the film shoot are shared, some of them experienced first-hand by locals involved in it, such as the Davins family of Hostal Perico, where Welles and his team lived, or the hairdresser Sílvia Muntané, who worked on the film.

Cardona is not only a great filming location; it is also a destination that celebrates and fosters its cinematic history.

• S’Agaró and “Mr. Arkadin”

Following in Welles’ footsteps in Catalonia, the small beach of S’Agaró became a key setting for “Mr. Arkadin” (1955), one of the American director’s most enigmatic films. The natural beauty of the coast, with its crystal-clear waters and cliffs, brought a special tone to the story, making the location a character within the plot. Today, visitors can enjoy the same beauty that captivated Welles.

• Tossa de Mar and Ava Gardner

The famous actress Ava Gardner filmed “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” in Tossa de Mar (1951). This coastal town became an iconic backdrop. The director of the film, Albert Lewin, captured the essence of Mediterranean beauty. Tossa has maintained a strong connection with this work and visitors can explore the history of Ava Gardner through routes and exhibitions dedicated to the actress.

• Begur and “Suddenly, Last Summer”

Begur was the setting for the film “Suddenly, Last Summer” (1959), a film starring Elisabeth Taylor and based on the play of the same name by Tennessee Williams. The film captured the beauty of the beaches  of the town of Girona and its medieval charm. The jaw-dropping views of the coves and its architectural heritage made Begur an ideal place to film this summer story that leaves no one indifferent. 

The film was not released in Spain until 1979 due to the controversial issues it dealt with, such as lobotomy. 

• “The Light at the Edge of the World” at Cap de Creus

The Cap de Creus Natural Park in Cadaqués was the setting for “The Light at the Edge of the World” (1971), a film starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Bryner that explores the relationship between nature and human beings. The impressive rock formations and wild landscapes provided a dramatic backdrop, making Cap de Creus an icon of contemporary cinema. Excursions through the park allow visitors to discover the same views that inspired the filmmakers.

Catalonia, with its great diversity of landscapes and its cultural heritage, is still to this day an ideal setting for the film industry, attracting filmmakers from all over the world and offering visitors the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their favourite stars.