As the 2025 Oscars draw near, Hollywood’s brightest stars prepare for their moment in the spotlight. Yet, beyond the red carpets and glittering gowns, another enduring icon has been captivating audiences for millennia.
The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Greece’s most famous landmark, has officially earned its place among the world’s most filmed locations. Its timeless beauty continues to inspire filmmakers, proving that some stars never fade.
The Acropolis Joins the Ranks of Cinematic Icons
A recent study by filming location experts at Giggster ranks the Acropolis among the ten most filmed landmarks outside the US and UK. Tied for seventh place with Rome’s Colosseum and Peru’s Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel has appeared in 76 film productions.
By analyzing IMDb location data, researchers identified some of the world’s most frequently featured landmarks. Topping the list is the Sydney Opera House, with an impressive 161 film appearances, followed closely by the Eiffel Tower (158 films) and the Louvre Museum (110 films). Other high-ranking locations include Tokyo Tower, Mount Everest, and the Taj Mahal.
With its breathtaking architecture and rich historical significance, the Acropolis stands proudly among these cinematic giants.
Hollywood’s Complicated Affair with the Acropolis
Despite its undeniable visual appeal, filming at the Acropolis has long been a challenge. Strict regulations and conservation concerns have historically made access difficult for filmmakers. However, in recent years, the Greek Ministry of Culture has sought to ease restrictions, recognizing the immense promotional value of international productions in showcasing Greece’s cultural heritage.
Over the decades, the Acropolis has provided a dramatic backdrop for films such as the 1957 classic “Boy on a Dolphin,” starring Sophia Loren; “New York Stories” (1989), directed by Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen; and more recent productions like “My Life in Ruins” (2009) and “The Two Faces of January” (2014). With growing interest from major studios, the site may soon play an even bigger role in global cinema.
Nolan’s “Odyssey” Sets Sail for Greece
The latest Hollywood buzz suggests that acclaimed director Sir Christopher Nolan is set to bring his highly anticipated epic, “Odyssey,” to life – and Greece will take center stage. With a staggering $250 million budget, the film will begin production in the stunning landscapes of the Peloponnese, starting in the picturesque town of Pylos.
As part of this ambitious production, a meticulously crafted 37-meter replica of an ancient Greek ship has been transported from Norway to the port of Katakolo, marking the start of a remarkable cinematic journey inspired by Homer’s legendary poem.
Nolan’s ensemble cast is stacked with Hollywood heavyweights, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. Filming locations will span the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Italy’s Aeolian Islands, with the enchanting Favignana – believed to be linked to the mythological journey of Odysseus – playing a key role in the film.
As Greece continues to establish itself as a premier filming destination, the Acropolis remains an enduring muse. Whether in historical epics, action-packed thrillers, or sweeping romances, its grandeur ensures it will always be ready for its close-up.
