Emily in Paris Season 5 officially moves the series to Italy, but fans first fell in love with the picturesque fictional town of Solitano during the dramatic Season 4 finale. Home to the heritage cashmere brand Muratori, Solitano looks like a perfectly preserved Italian village frozen in time. While the name is fictional, the filming location is very real: the enchanting Borgo of Ostia Antica.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where Solitano was filmed, how to distinguish the medieval village from the ancient ruins, and what Emily in Paris fans should look for when walking through this remarkable movie location near Rome.
Where Was Solitano Filmed in Emily in Paris?
Although Solitano is fictional, its on-screen setting was filmed in the Borgo of Ostia Antica, a small, fortified medieval village located about 30 kilometers southwest of Rome.
While many travelers know Ostia Antica for its sprawling Roman archaeological park, the show utilized the Medieval Borgo—a tiny, walled neighborhood just outside the park’s entrance. This provided the perfect stand-in for Solitano thanks to its:
- Piazza della Rocca: The central town square where the Muratori family life unfolds.
- The Castle of Julius II: The stunning 15th-century fortress that dominates the background of the village scenes.
- Arched Gateways: The historic entrance where Emily is first dropped off, signaling her arrival in a world of tradition and luxury.
What Is the Borgo of Ostia Antica?
The Borgo is a charming residential pocket that sits right next to the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, which was once the main port city of Ancient Rome.
Unlike the ancient ruins which are uninhabited, the Borgo is a living village. For Emily in Paris, the production used these atmospheric, ivy-covered brick buildings to create the illusion of a small, elegant Italian town rooted in craftsmanship. It offers the best of both worlds: the “Solitano” village feel in the Borgo and the “Ancient Italy” feel in the adjacent ruins.
Why the Borgo Was Chosen as the Solitano Location
From a film-production perspective, the Borgo of Ostia Antica offers several advantages that make it ideal for the series:
- A Timeless, Lived-In Look The village is pedestrian-only and lacks modern signage, allowing filmmakers to shoot wide scenes without heavy digital cleanup.
- The Muratori Aesthetic The red-brick textures, Renaissance architecture, and the presence of the Church of Sant’Aurea convey a sense of heritage—exactly what the show needed for a storyline about a high-end cashmere dynasty.
- Proximity to Rome Located just a short train ride from the capital, it was logistically convenient for the production to move from Emily’s new Rome apartment to the “countryside” of Solitano.
Filming Areas Fans Will Recognize
Visitors to Ostia Antica will easily recognize several areas that closely match Solitano’s on-screen appearance:
The Main Square (Piazza della Rocca) This is the heart of the “Solitano” village. Fans will remember Emily walking through this square to meet Marcello. The fountain and the surrounding cafes capture the quintessential Italian “Dolce Vita.”
The Castle Backdrop The Castello di Giulio II is the most iconic landmark in the Solitano scenes. Its imposing towers and walls represent the Muratori family’s deep roots and status in the region.
The Ancient Archaeological Park While the village scenes were in the Borgo, the wider shots of Marcello and Emily exploring the “heritage” of the area were filmed among the Roman Ruins of the main archaeological site, including the famous Roman Theatre.
Visiting the Real Solitano Today
Opening Hours & Tickets The Borgo (the village) is free to enter and walk through at any time, as it is a public neighborhood. However, if you wish to see the Castle or the Archaeological Park, you will need to check seasonal hours and purchase a ticket at the main entrance.
How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome Getting to the world of Solitano is simple and affordable:
- Take the Roma–Lido train from Roma Porta San Paolo (next to the Piramide metro stop).
- Get off at the Ostia Antica station.
- Cross the blue pedestrian bridge and walk straight for about 5–10 minutes.
- You will see the Main Gate of the Borgo directly in front of you.
Step Into Solitano in Real Life
By filming Solitano at the Borgo of Ostia Antica, Emily in Paris blended modern fashion storytelling with one of Italy’s most authentic historical pockets. For lovers of movie locations, it is a rare chance to step directly into the world of Marcello and Emily—and then walk five minutes further to explore one of the greatest ancient cities in the world.
