The Children’s Train, directed by Cristina Comencini, is a moving Netflix film based on Viola Ardone’s novel of the same name.
The story, set in post-World War II Italy, follows a young Neapolitan boy who travels north to live with a host family as part of the “treni della felicità” (Trains of Happiness) initiative.
Premiering at the Rome Film Festival, the film beautifully brings Italy’s cities, countryside, and history to life. Here’s a guide to the stunning locations where the movie was filmed.
Where Was The Children’s Train Filmed?
Filming for The Children’s Train took place across Italy, showcasing historic cityscapes, beautiful villages, and scenic landscapes that reflect the country’s rich diversity and beauty.
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo – Naples, Campania
This well-known square in Naples plays a central role as the protagonist’s hometown. Piazza del Gesù Nuovo is a gem in the heart of Naples, known for its historic charm and the remarkable Church of Gesù Nuovo, whose facade is covered in diamond-shaped designs.
The area is full of life and surrounded by narrow alleys with artisan shops and classic Neapolitan cafes. The busy square offers a genuine Neapolitan experience and a sense of everyday life in this lively city, capturing the spirit of Naples after World War II.
Salerno, Campania
Salerno, a coastal city along the Gulf of Salerno, represents part of the boy’s journey northward. Known for its picturesque beaches, charming piazzas, and historic center, Salerno captures the spirit of southern Italy.
The historic heart of Salerno has narrow, winding streets and buildings with medieval architecture. The city’s main landmark, the Cathedral of Salerno, showcases beautiful carvings and frescoes and combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. Salerno is also close to the famous Amalfi Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and seaside villages.
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
Val d’Orcia is a beautiful valley in Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, and medieval towns. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers peaceful views with fields of vineyards, olive groves, and wheat.
The landscapes here are iconic, with hills lined by tall cypress trees, a common symbol of Tuscany. The valley is home to charming villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and Bagno Vignoni, which are known for their art, history, and Renaissance architecture. This scenic setting provides a serene backdrop for the film’s scenes in northern Italy.
Roccabianca, Emilia-Romagna
Roccabianca, a small town in the Parma province of Emilia-Romagna, offers a cozy, rural setting that reflects the simple life of the protagonist’s host family. Its main attraction, the medieval Castle of Roccabianca, stands on a hill and includes a museum with local artifacts.
The town’s Romanesque Church of San Giorgio, built in the 12th century, holds beautiful frescoes. Roccabianca is also known for its wines, especially the dessert wine Malvasia di Candia. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this location provides a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
Teatro Regio – Turin, Piedmont
The Teatro Regio in Turin is one of Italy’s most famous opera houses and an important cultural site. Built in 1869 in a neo-Baroque style, it is known for its grand architecture and rich history. Over the years, Teatro Regio has hosted performances by renowned opera singers and conductors.
With its renowned acoustics and stunning interiors, the theater is a favorite destination for opera and music lovers, and it adds an element of Italy’s cultural history to the film.
Piazza Castello – Turin, Piedmont
Scenes were also shot at Piazza Castello, Turin’s central square, known for its impressive architecture and significance. Key landmarks like the Royal Palace of Turin, Palazzo Madama, and Mole Antonelliana surround the square, showcasing the rich history of the city.
Piazza Castello is a lively place that hosts events and festivals, making it a popular gathering spot. The square’s beauty and energy make it a perfect location for scenes showing the vibrant life of northern Italy.
When Did the Filming of The Children’s Train Take Place?
Filming for The Children’s Train took place in 2023. The filmmakers captured Italy’s landscapes and historic sites across different seasons to reflect various stages of the protagonist’s journey. This attention to detail helped create an authentic 1946 atmosphere, immersing viewers in post-war Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where is The Children’s Train set?
A: The film is set in 1946, Italy, with the protagonist journeying from Naples in the south to various northern regions.
Q: Where was The Children’s Train filmed?
A: The movie was filmed across Italy, including Naples, Salerno, Val d’Orcia in Tuscany, Roccabianca in Emilia-Romagna, and notable sites in Turin, such as Teatro Regio and Piazza Castello.
Q: Who directed The Children’s Train?
A: Cristina Comencini directed the film, co-writing the screenplay based on Viola Ardone’s novel.
Q: When does The Children’s Train premiere on Netflix?
A: The film will premiere on Netflix on December 4, 2024.