Sun-drenched piazzas, quiet lakes, and slow summer afternoons—Call Me By Your Name didn’t just tell a story, it captured a feeling.
Much of that magic came from real Italian locations you can still visit today. Call Me By Your Name was filmed primarily in Lombardy, northern Italy, especially around Montagnana, Pizzighettone, Crema, Moscazzano, and Lake Garda, with a final romantic sequence filmed in Clusone and a closing trip to Lake Garda’s Sirmione.
Filming Locations in Lombardy, Italy
Montagnana – Perlman Family Home (Exterior)
Montagnana, a medieval walled town near Padua, was used for exterior shots of the Perlman family home. While the interiors were filmed elsewhere, Montagnana’s quiet streets and historic walls set the tone for the film’s slow, intimate pace.
Why it works:
- Preserved medieval architecture
- Minimal modern distractions
- Feels untouched by time
Moscazzano – Villa Albergoni (Main House)
The heart of the film is Villa Albergoni in Moscazzano, near Crema. This is the iconic house where Elio and Oliver spend most of the summer.
Important note:
- Visitors may view it from the gate only
Why it matters:
This villa defines the film’s emotional landscape—warm, intellectual, and deeply personal.
Pizzighettone – Riverbank Walks
Several outdoor scenes were filmed in Pizzighettone, a small town along the Adda River. The riverside paths mirror the film’s reflective, unhurried rhythm.
What to look for:
- Brick walls along the river
- Calm walking paths
- Authentic small-town Italy
Crema – Biking and Town Scenes
Crema and its surrounding countryside appear in many cycling scenes. The flat terrain and pastel buildings emphasize the film’s everyday realism.
Real-world feel:
You can bike the same routes Elio and Oliver did—no tour required.
Lake Garda – The Final Journey
Sirmione, Lake Garda
The final trip in the film takes place at Lake Garda, specifically Sirmione, with its stone castle and narrow streets.
Why this location matters:
- Symbolizes emotional closure
- Combines beauty with quiet melancholy
- One of Italy’s most romantic lake towns
Clusone – Piazza dell’Orologio
Key detail:
The historic clock tower in Piazza dell’Orologio becomes a silent witness to the film’s most painful moment.
Pros & Cons of Visiting the Filming Locations
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic, real-life locations | Villa Albergoni is not open to the public |
| Easy to combine into one Lombardy trip | Limited signage referencing the film |
| Less crowded than major tourist cities | Requires a car or careful train planning |
| Strong emotional connection for fans | Some locations are very subtle on-screen |
Real-World Travel Example
3-Day Call Me By Your Name Itinerary:
- Day 1: Milan → Crema → Moscazzano (Villa Albergoni gate visit)
- Day 2: Pizzighettone river walk + Clusone afternoon
- Day 3: Lake Garda (Sirmione) for a relaxed lakeside finish
This route mirrors the film’s emotional progression—quiet, reflective, then bittersweet.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Filming took place across multiple towns in Lombardy, each chosen for its authenticity and natural beauty.
Can you visit the Perlman house?
You can see the exterior gate of Villa Albergoni in Moscazzano, but the property is private and not open for tours.
Italy’s landscapes, architecture, and summer light perfectly matched the film’s themes of intimacy, memory, and fleeting youth.
Is Lake Garda worth visiting even if you’re not a fan of the movie?
Absolutely. Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most scenic destinations, known for its history, food, and relaxed atmosphere.
Final Verdict
Call Me By Your Name was filmed in real Italian towns that feel lived-in, not staged—and that’s exactly why the film endures. Visiting these locations isn’t about chasing movie stills; it’s about slowing down, noticing small details, and experiencing the quiet beauty that made the story unforgettable.