Ever since her first appearance in October 1941, no other female superhero has been as popular as Wonder Woman. Over the years, she went on to become a symbol of empowered, independent, liberated women.
We are all aware that Wonder Woman is an icon of the world of comics, but she also appeared in other forms of media. The Amazonian princess debuted on TV in 1972 in an episode of The Brady Kids and one year later she appeared in Super Friends. From 1975 until 1979, Wonder Woman appeared as a series with Lynda Carter in the lead role. The super-heroine featured in several more animated movies in the following years, but it took decades before she made her way to the big screen.
The movie had its worldwide premiere on June 2, 2017, and truly hit the sweet-spot of critics and fans alike. Blockbusters are by definition big, and Wonder Woman is no different. The production design of the movie is remarkable, and is accompanied by some stunning special effects. But when it comes to the tone and feel of the movie, location scouts truly did a great job by picking out some of the best locations across Europe. Here are some of the most exciting shooting locations of Wonder Woman.
1. Palinuro, Centola, Salerno, Campania, Italy
Themyscira was brought to life in Italy, southern Italy to be more precise. Southern Italy looks great just like it is, but adding special visual effects made the world of Wonder Woman look stunning.
The scenes on the beach in Wonder Woman were shot near Palinuro. This small Italian town on the Tyrrhenian Sea offers some of the most amazing landscapes in Italy, making it a perfect location.
The abundant natural beauty of Centola, Salerno, and Campania, was exactly what location scouts had in mind when trying to pick the right locations for the movie.
2. Villa Cimbrone, Italy
Villa Cimbrone, in Ravello, offers some of the most stunning views of the Mediterranean. Its beautiful gardens combined with amazing views made this historical building a top spot for weddings, honeymoons, receptions, and now, the movies.
The villa houses the Terrazzo dell’lnfinito (the Terrace of Infinity), which was used for one of the scenes in Wonder Woman. As noted by Gore Vidal, the view from the Terrace of Infinity is the finest in the world. Who could dispute that claim?
The Terrace of Infinity is also famous for its series of 18th-century marble busts.
Today, it is one of the finest hotels in the Mediterranean, but Villa Cimbrone is also of great historical significance, considering the fact that it dates back to the 11th century.
3. Matera, Italy
Some scenes of the Amazons’ island were shot in Matera–Sassi di Matera to be exact. For about a week, the crew was able to enjoy its ancient beauty.
Matera’s fascinating history make this town a top filming location among producers in Hollywood, and Wonder Woman producers are no exception. Sassi di Matera was used in the movie as Themyscira, most notably for the scene where young Diana runs from her tutor.
Although Sassi di Matera is among the first human settlements in the country, it was largely forgotten by the authorities, but since 1993 it has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been promoted by the government as a top tourist destination.
Mel Gibson’s biblical drama movie The Passion was also filmed there.
4. Castel del Monte, Italy
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castel del Monte (Castle of the Mountain) is among the locations used in Wonder Woman.
Castel del Monte in the Apulia region was used for the interior shots of the tower where the sword is kept.
This unique piece of medieval military architecture is also of great historical significance, as it dates back to the 13th century.
It was built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the shape of an octagon, which is quite unusual in castle design.
5. The Long Gallery at Hatfield House (Hertfordshire)
Scenes of the $150 million DC Comics blockbuster were also filmed in the stunning Long Gallery at Hatfield House last year and they can be seen in the trailer of the movie.
Wonder Woman joins the long list of movies filmed in the Long Gallery at Hatfield House, including Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins, and Sherlock Holmes.
6. Bourne Wood, England
Isolated from the crowded cities, Bourne Wood in Surrey is among the hot-spot movie locations in the United Kingdom. Starting from the late 1990s, numerous movies, commercials, and music videos have been filmed there, including Gladiator and Robin Hood.
Bourne Wood was used for the scenes where the Amazonian princess fights with the Allies.
7. Tilbury Fort
Tilbury Fort in Essex by the River Thames also features in several scenes in Wonder Woman. First built by Henry VIII, Tilbury Fort is one of the finest examples of its type in England.
It was here that Elizabeth I, another unstoppable female, delivered her famous Armada speech, saying, I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonor should grow by me, I myself will take up arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.