Solitano in Emily in Paris has caught the attention of viewers in Season 4, Part 2, as a stunning and picturesque Italian town. However, fans who fell in love with its beauty and charm are left wondering if this quaint town is real or merely a creation of the show’s imaginative setting.
The answer might surprise you, as it involves both fictional storytelling and real-world locations.
Solitano: A Dreamy Italian Town in Emily in Paris
In Emily in Paris Season 4, Episode 10, we see Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) take a romantic trip to Italy with her new love interest, Marcello (played by Eugenio Franceschini). Marcello introduces Emily to his family’s business—a luxurious cashmere company based in a small Italian town named Solitano.
Marcello’s backstory reveals Solitano as a town known for its special goats that produce high-quality cashmere, central to the Muratori family’s business.
He explains to Emily that nearly every resident in Solitano is involved in the cashmere trade, working for his family’s successful company. This idyllic village, filled with historic ruins, lush plants, and a close-knit community, offers an intimate look into Italian craftsmanship and heritage.
But here’s the twist: while the scenery looks like an authentic Italian village steeped in history, Solitano is actually not a real place.
Is Solitano in Emily in Paris Real?
Unfortunately for those looking to book a trip to Solitano, it is not a real town in Italy. The town was created for Emily in Paris to amplify the exclusivity and success of Marcello’s family business.
Solitano serves as a fictional backdrop to symbolize both luxury and tradition.
However, while the town itself might not exist, the scenery featured in the episode is indeed real. The showrunners made a clever choice by using an authentic Italian village as the setting for Solitano, lending it a genuine charm.
Where Were Solitano’s Scenes Filmed?
The scenes set in Solitano were filmed in Ostia Antica, a small town located near Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport. Ostia Antica is best known for its historical ruins, making it a perfect stand-in for the fictional Solitano in the series.
When Emily strolls through Solitano’s iconic archway, she is actually walking through one of Ostia Antica’s most well-known historical sites. The town, once an ancient Roman port, is rich in history, filled with Roman ruins, cobbled streets, and remnants of a time long gone.
In Episode 10, viewers also get a glimpse of the Castle of Julius II, a majestic fortress that dates back to the Renaissance period.
The castle, visible during a scene celebrating Maria’s birthday, is located near Ostia Antica’s ancient Roman ruins. Originally built to protect the port on the Tiber River, this fortress is a remarkable example of military architecture from the Renaissance era.
Why Ostia Antica Was the Perfect Filming Location
Ostia Antica’s timeless beauty, combined with its rich historical significance, made it an ideal location for the fictional town of Solitano.
The town’s blend of Roman architecture and rustic Italian charm provided the perfect atmosphere to bring the Muratori family’s luxurious yet traditional lifestyle to life.
The Appeal of Solitano in Emily in Paris Season 4
The introduction of Solitano in Emily in Paris adds a fresh layer to the show’s exploration of culture, fashion, and romance. Marcello’s character, along with the idyllic town of Solitano, provides a sense of luxury combined with tradition.
This contrasts with Emily’s fast-paced Parisian lifestyle, highlighting the differences between the worlds of high fashion and artisanal craftsmanship.
The choice to create a fictional town like Solitano was not only about aesthetics but also about the narrative. Solitano represents something more than just a picturesque Italian village—it’s a symbol of family heritage, luxury, and the close relationship between business and community.
Marcello’s family’s cashmere business is a central part of the town’s identity, and the way the show portrays Solitano enhances the significance of Marcello’s character and his relationship with Emily.