Discover the series with Jude Law and enjoy a leading-role stay
Venice has often appeared on the big screen, but rarely with the visual and symbolic power seen in The Young Pope, the series by Paolo Sorrentino featuring Jude Law as the enigmatic and fascinating Pope Pius XIII. While much of the plot is set in the Vatican, some of the most visionary and dreamlike scenes of the series were actually filmed in Venice, showcasing both iconic and lesser-known spots that enhance the city’s timeless beauty.
If you want to experience the Venice of auteur cinema and sleep just minutes from the series’ locations, the Arcadia Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to begin.
Where was The Young Pope filmed in Venice?
The Venetian scenes of the series appear mostly in the first episode and in several recurring visions, where Venice represents a place of memory, desire, and spirituality.
Here are the main filming locations used:
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St. Mark’s Square: Jude Law appears in one of the most iconic dreamlike scenes, walking alone through the empty square—a powerful, surreal image that defined the series.
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Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: the famous spiral staircase represented the protagonist’s labyrinthine mental space.
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Campi and alleys in the San Marco district: some flashbacks and visions take place in the quieter streets of the city, far from tourist routes.
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Smaller canals and silent bridges: chosen to create a suspended atmosphere between dream and reality, perfectly in line with Sorrentino’s visual style.
The scenes filmed in Venice are not just a backdrop—they are true narrative elements that help us understand the inner turmoil and grandeur of Jude Law’s character.
Stay somewhere equally iconic: Arcadia Boutique Hotel
The Arcadia Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Cannaregio, an authentic and peaceful district, perfect for exploring cinematic Venice on foot, away from the crowds. In less than 20 minutes, you can reach St. Mark’s Square and other locations featured in the series.
What makes a stay at Arcadia special:
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A historic lounge with a Murano glass chandelier, perfect for those who appreciate elegant, scenic interiors.
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Refined rooms furnished in contemporary Venetian style, ideal for relaxing after a day filled with art and visions.
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Breakfast served in an exclusive setting that will make you feel like part of a film set.
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The Skyfall Bar, cozy and intimate, perfect for reflecting on your journey or simply enjoying a fine glass of wine.
Thematic itinerary: follow the Pope through Venice
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Morning: leave the hotel and head to San Marco by foot or vaporetto.
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Visit the square at dawn, to capture its charm without tourists—just like in the series.
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Stop at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, accessible and fascinating, with a panoramic view over Venice.
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Stroll through the smaller canals and alleys of San Marco, discovering hidden and silent corners.
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Evening: return to Arcadia Boutique Hotel and enjoy an aperitif at the Skyfall Bar.
Experience Venice suspended between faith, dreams, and cinema
The imagery of The Young Pope in Venice lingers in the mind for its intensity and beauty. If you, too, wish to immerse yourself in that rarefied, spiritual, and deeply poetic version of Venice, the Arcadia Boutique Hotel will welcome you with elegance and discretion—just like a sacred, cinematic space.
