The Ghost Village of Celleno (Il Borgo Fantasma ®) has achieved a major regional milestone, ranking 3rd out of dozens of candidates with 86 points in the official filming location initiative promoted by the Latium Regional Government and the Lazio Film Commission (the official institution supporting audiovisual productions in the region surrounding Rome). This successful bid was spearheaded by Tourism Delegate Caterina Franceschini.
Directly following this major regional achievement, the Ghost Village of Celleno has also earned international acclaim, being officially recognized by the prestigious British newspaper The Telegraph as one of the 25 most beautiful ghost towns in Italy “lost in time.” This dual recognition cements Celleno’s status as a premier, high-relevance destination for international feature films, TV series, documentaries, and commercial shoots looking for authentic Italian backdrops.
A Timeless Set in the Heart of Tuscia
Celleno is located in Tuscia, a historic and geographically unique region north of Rome, once the ancient homeland of the Etruscans. Famed for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, tufa-rock cliffs, and deep green valleys, Tuscia offers filmmakers an untouched, mystical atmosphere with exceptional natural light.
The village itself is an abandoned medieval settlement perched on a tuff hill. Left untouched by modern development after earthquakes forced residents to move in the mid-20th century, it features remarkably preserved stone alleys, ruined castles, historic piazzas, and panoramic views. Because it is completely free of contemporary infrastructure (such as power lines or modern signs), it serves as a natural backlot where directors can recreate Medieval, Renaissance, Fantasy, Thriller, or Post-Apocalyptic settings with minimal set dressing.
Proven Track Record and Strategic Logistics for Global Crews
Celleno is already a proven international set, having recently hosted high-profile productions including the international feature film The Winemaker’s Son (starring Academy Award nominee Mickey Rourke and Jacqueline Bisset), the historical drama The Monk Who Won the Apocalypse, and Netflix’s global dark-fantasy series Luna Nera.
Logistically, Celleno perfectly bridges the gap between major Italian hubs. It is situated just 90 minutes north of Rome and its world-famous Cinecittà Studios, making it easily accessible for Rome-based crews and equipment trucks. Furthermore, for productions arriving from Northern Europe or Northern Italy, it is highly accessible—located just a 30-minute drive from the Orvieto exit on the A1 Highway, Italy’s main North-South motorway artery.
Heading to the Venice Film Festival
Production has already begun on a brand-new promotional video showcasing the village’s unique architecture and cinematic potential. This audiovisual material, along with dedicated industry brochures, will be officially presented to international directors, producers, and location managers at major film markets, starting with the upcoming Venice International Film Festival, to attract new global productions to the area.
«This milestone validates our long-term vision to promote the Ghost Village of Celleno as a premier cultural and cinematic hub,» stated Tourism Delegate Caterina Franceschini. «Being named one of the top locations in the Lazio region puts a spotlight on a unique heritage site, capable of offering breathtaking backdrops for global storytellers and driving sustainable economic growth for our local community.»
The Mayor of Celleno, Luca Beraldo, expressed great pride: «I want to thank the Latium Region, the Lazio Film Commission, and our delegate Caterina Franceschini for their outstanding work. This result represents a major recognition for our territory. Cinema is a powerful tool for territorial marketing; every production that shoots here generates global visibility, boosts hospitality, and injects vital energy into our economy. We will continue to invest to ensure Celleno remains a welcoming and inspiring home for filmmakers looking for authentic, high-impact locations.»
With this new achievement, Celleno transforms its hauntingly beautiful heritage into a thriving cultural and economic opportunity. From a forgotten ghost village to the global silver screen: Celleno continues to inspire.
