Where was The Leopard filmed? Filming locations of Netflix's latest limited series adaptation, explored

The newest from the house of Netflix, The Leopard is based on the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa by the same name. Previously, the book was adapted into a film in 1963. The series adaptation marks the book’s second time being adapted on screen.

The single line synopsis of the show reads,

“A 19th-century Sicilian aristocratic family gets caught up in the changing sociopolitical times.”

One of the key highlights of the show is the beautiful locations where it has been shot. The shooting took place in Italy, throughout Catania, Rome, Palermo, and Syracuse. Let us now explore the filming locations of The Leopard in detail.

Filming locations of The Leopard

Villa Valguarnera, Sicily

Villa Valguarnera is featured as the Salina palace in The Leopard. Built in the 18th century, this villa remains one of the most popular landmarks in Sicily. Located outside Palermo, it served as a retreat for the Sicilian nobility.

The Villa was built in the 18th century, and while all these centuries have inevitably caused the property to be gradually ruined, the grandeur remains and its royal essence is shown very well in The Leopard.

Donnafugata Castle, Sicily

This castle, whose origin goes back to the 14th century, is featured briefly in The Leopard Episode 3. Donnafugata Castle appears in a flashback scene where Don Calogero and Bastiana are allowed to be together.

In reality, it is around 9.3 miles to the castle from Ragusa in Sicily, Italy. Though its origin goes long back, the way it is shown in the present time mainly comes from the 19th century.

Quattro Canti, Palermo

Quattro Canti in Palermo, Sicily serves as an important filming location in The Leopard. Both episode 1 and 2 feature this beautiful place, which was constructed in the 17th century.

The scenes of Don Fabrizio’s arrival and the execution that takes place in the second episode, both feature Quattro Canti.

Church of Saint John of the Hermits, Palermo

The Leopard Episode 4 features San Giovanni degli Eremiti (Saint John of the Hermits), an ancient church. Viewers who have observed closely will be able to see the church courtyard and its famous red domes.

The church is extremely old, with its origins going back to the 6th century. After its establishment, the church was closed for a while and it was only after the Norman Conquest that it got restored as Benedictine monks of Saint William of Vercelli. After its restoration, it was dedicated to John the Evangelist, which led to its present name.

Santa Lucia alla Badia, Syracuse

This ancient Roman Catholic church is featured in one scene in The Leopard. Some scenes have been shot outside this church and Santa Lucia alla Badia can be seen as a tall building that stands out among the other plethora of landmarks there.

Built in the mid-15th century, the church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The present structure was built between 1695-1702. Even after that, WW II had damaged this church but afterwards it was again renovated and restored to its present condition.

The Leopard can be streamed on Netflix.