Where was Jay Kelly filmed?

Jay Kelly filming locations play a central role in the 2026 hit comedic drama, which follows a fictional movie star played by George Clooney as he grapples with his family life, personal issues, and artistic legacy. Join Kelly as he travels to Europe on a journey of self-discovery, with shooting taking place across some of Northern Italy’s most scenic locations. It’s certainly a stunning background for those seeking to find themselves, as the region has a rich history that stretches across several millennia, having long lured visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and gorgeous weather. The area is also no stranger to the silver screen, as this part of Italy has been a long-running filming location, with its piazzas and vineyards forming an ever-popular backdrop for movies including The English Patient (1996), Gladiator (2000), Call Me By Your Name (2017), and the James Bond epic Quantum of Solace (2008). Jay Kelly is part of Italy’s cinematic history, so come with us as we take a look at some of the spectacular landscapes featured in this award-winning movie.

01

Milan

A global city with world-class culture

Given its renowned heritage, impressive architecture, and legendary fashion status, Milan certainly needs no introduction. This sophisticated metropolis and its suburbs served as a backdrop to Kelly’s emotional complexity throughout the film, so it’s worth detailing everything Milan has to offer, even if it’s difficult to fit its many marvels into just a few paragraphs. As the capital of Lombardy with over a million residents, this magnificent metropolis offers all kinds of experiences, from glamorous artistic excursions to breathtaking cultural landmarks and celebrated dining establishments that serve the very best in Italian cuisine. It’s also a prime shopping destination, as Italian fashion icons including Versace, Armani, and Prada all have their headquarters here.

Milan’s bustling city center presents an exhilarating opportunity to lose yourself among its winding streets and designer boutiques. As an important hub for European commerce, entertainment, and media, there’s a wealth of places to dine and shop, with Via Montenapoleone standing out as a particular highlight. This narrow avenue houses some of the top names in fashion, with rows of distinguished designer outlets set beneath intricate facades and ornate balconies. When it comes to indoor shopping, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an astonishing sight, featuring exquisite neoclassical architecture below an impressive ceiling made of glass and iron. It’s Milan’s oldest shopping arcade, and visitors can browse fine haute couture, as well as books, artworks, and jewelry. This famed structure also contains a range of hotels and dining options.

Travelers seeking to learn more about Italian culture are absolutely spoiled for choice. Art lovers should pay a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, as this monastery-turned-gallery exhibits a range of famous paintings, including pieces by legendary artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. Meanwhile, the Cenacolo Vinciano museum displays a number of historic works, not least the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. For music aficionados, there’s the world-famous La Scala opera house, a spectacular structure which has hosted some of the world’s greatest singers ever since it was opened in 1778. Milan has also been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Literature and contains a number of grand libraries. The high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and rows of carved wooden bookshelves of the Braidense National Library are bound to delight lovers of the written word.

Finally, Milan’s artworks aren’t limited to galleries, libraries, and opera houses. First, there’s the creative street art. Though murals can be found all over the city, Navigli is one of the best districts to explore these colorful motifs, and it’s just a 15-minute subway ride from Milano Centrale station. Those who want to experience even more of the city’s vibrant culture should check out the streets of the Brera district, where the Braidense National Library and Pinacoteca di Brera are housed, as the area is known for its musicians whose live performances delight those passing by.

We didn’t even get to Sforzesco Castle and its lush grounds, or the wondrous Gothic cathedral of the Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have to check out one of Milan’s many fine places to stay and discover the city’s treasures for yourself.

02

Arezzo

Ancient roots and an artistic legacy

Several locations in Tuscany featured in the movie’s production, not least of which is the beautiful city of Arezzo. Located less than an hour away from Florence by train, the city and its surrounding province have been home to a number of renowned writers and artists from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including Guido of Arezzo, Guittone d’Arezzo, Giorgio Vasari, and perhaps most famous of all, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, better known simply as Michelangelo. In fact, Arezzo boasts a heritage dating back several centuries BC, as it proudly proclaims Etruscan origins that are even older than Egypt’s famed metropolis of Alexandria.,

Perched on a hilltop above the Arno River, Arezzo’s terracotta rooftops are set among a stunning green landscape of forests and orchards. The beauty of its location, however, is more than rivaled by the city itself. Here, charming terraced buildings are arranged around lively plazas, and the landmark structures present some of the finest architecture in the region. One of its proudest buildings is Arezzo Cathedral. Taking several centuries to build, the cathedral presents an impressively imposing sight, with its medieval stained-glass and a facade that was designed by the legendary architect Dante Viviani. Possibly the most incredible feature, however, is the vaulted ceiling, decorated with painted frescoes that soar high overhead.

The Basilica of San Francesco is a fascinating landmark for those interested in art history, as this cavernous 13th-century Franciscan church features frescoes painted by the Early Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca. The basilica also exhibits a whole host of other historic paintings and sculptures, and is just a five-minute walk away from Piazza Guido Monaco. You’ll know you’ve found it when you reach a small square with the Vittorio Fossombroni monument, a statue celebrating the city’s beloved mathematician, economist, and engineer.

Any visit to Arezzo should include a stop at Piazza Grande. Here, Romanesque architectural marvels tower over the flagstones, and it even includes a fountain that was designed in 1603. The amphitheater is another worthwhile destination, with the ruins of this Roman attraction remaining impressive to this day. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian, in its time it housed up to 10,000 spectators. There’s no better way to explore these inspiring landmarks than to walk around the historic streets and discover the people and their businesses for yourself.

For an especially memorable experience, be sure to visit the city’s antiques fair, which takes place on the first weekend of the month and draws over 500 sellers from all over the country. Its many stalls can be found on Piazza San Francesco, Piazza Grande, and the Logge Vasari.

03

Montecatini Terme

Historic baths for a healing soak

Montecatini Terme is a distinguished Tuscan spa town that’s been celebrated for its thermal waters ever since the Roman era. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe,” with its 11 mineral springs having drawn visitors for centuries. Its lovely railway station served as a symbolic crossroads in the film, offering a beautiful contrast to urban Milan and rustic Tuscany.

Of course, everything centers around Montecatini Terme’s spas, which range from gorgeous historic structures to more contemporary offerings. In Parco delle Terme, or “Park of the Baths,” there’s Terme Tettuccio. This is what’s known as a “drinking spa,” where patrons can sip one of four different mineral waters that are believed to soothe a variety of ailments. Built in the late 18th century, the Terme Tettuccio features large columns and decorative flourishes that create an appropriately grand atmosphere. Nearby is the Terme Excelsior, which offers a range of wellness treatments, while the Redi Thermal complex provides thermal baths in a more contemporary structure. These are just three of the town’s many bath and spa complexes, so check online for the experience that suits your needs.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that thermal spas are all the town has to offer, but Montecatini Terme includes a number of attractions to visit while you’re not soaking in its healing waters. Thursday is the city’s market day, and in the morning, the Via di Maratona rings with the calls of its various vendors. Here, travelers can browse clothes, toys, and cosmetics, as well as sample the delicious local produce, cheese, and olive oil.

The Funicolare di Montecatini is a delightful way to travel between the town and the medieval village of Montecatini Alto. First offering rides in 1898, this red cable car climbs the hillside along a 3,533-foot track, a journey that takes around ten minutes in total. It’s an experience that’s particularly enjoyable for children, and once at the top, riders can stroll around the protective walls of Montecatini Alto and grab a bite to eat at Piazza Giuseppe Giusti. This smaller location is easily explored, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon before riding back to Montecatini Terme.

This is an Italian town, so of course it boasts excellent shopping options across a range of designer boutiques. Head down Corsa Roma to discover its many outlets before stopping for a bite to eat at Piazza del Popolo. There are also plenty of hotels in the Montecatini Terme area for those who want to enjoy a few extra days of pampering.

04

Pienza

An urban haven of the early Renaissance

Located in the historic Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, the small and scenic town of Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by rolling amber fields dotted with cypress trees, Pienza is a two-hour drive north of Rome and an hour’s drive west of Lake Trasimeno. Once known by the name of Corsignano, the town was rebuilt and renamed by Pope Pius II, with its new monicker meaning “city of Pius.” As one of the first examples of humanist urban planning, Pienza has been called the “touchstone of Renaissance urbanism.” Certainly, visitors to the town will feel as though they’ve been transported back to Renaissance Italy, as its tiled plazas and terraced townhouses harken back across centuries, with only the presence of cars and modern fashions breaking the charming illusion.

Those arriving in Pienza will want to head straight to the Palazzo Piccolomini, where they’ll find Pienza Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta. One of the earliest examples of Renaissance design, the cathedral made novel use of archways and has a Germanic bell tower, owing to the time Pope Pius II spent in Germany. The structure only becomes more impressive once visitors head inside, as its breathtaking interior features artworks by several prominent Renaissance artists. 

Palazzo Piccolomini itself was also commissioned by the pope and served as his summer residence. It was inspired by Florence’s Palazzo Rucellai and completed in 1459. Today, the palace houses a museum that’s open to the public, where visitors can view portraits of Pius II and even his library and bedroom, which includes a bed that dates back to the 16th century. The luxurious furnishings and impressive artworks housed in the museum make it worth the visit, though be sure to check its opening hours online as they can vary over the course of the year.

Before you leave, be sure to check out the Piccolomini gardens, which are found on the southern side of the building. Guests can wander along the beautiful box hedges while admiring the flower beds, before stopping by an ornate decorative fountain. The gardens are a carefully cultivated treasure, tucked away among Pienza’s stone walls. They were also a prominent filming location for Jay Kelly.

The narrow streets surrounding the square are home to boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, providing a captivating place to wander that, thanks to the narrow alleyways, is also shaded from the sun. Travelers who want to further immerse themselves in the town’s Renaissance magic will find a range of hotels and accommodations in Pienza to choose from, allowing for extra time experiencing the humanist urban dream of Pope Pius II.

05

Montalcino

Famous local wines made from locally-grown grapes

Taking its name from the oak trees that once populated this gorgeous setting, the town of Montalcino has a history that stretches all the way back to Etruscan times, and its timelessness made it an ideal filming location. It feels especially organic, with a winding shape that follows the curving hillsides, allowing for views of miles around, including the Arbia, Asso, and Ombrone valleys. From the ancient streets, visitors can gaze down at the vineyards and olive orchards nestled at the base of the Montalcino hill.

Once known for leather goods, the town is now famed for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, made from locally-grown grapes. Today, there are more than 200 producers of this vintage, which guests can sample while sitting on a terrace and taking in the vista from one of the town’s acclaimed restaurants. Simply stroll along the Via Giacomo Matteotti and you’ll find a range of excellent dining establishments to choose from, each offering its own variation on delicious Italian cuisine. For those who want to take a bottle or two home with them, Montalcino also boasts several wine shops, whose owners offer expert advice on their wares.

If you’re looking to learn more about the winemaking process, stop by the Patrizia Cencioni winery. A half-hour walk or five-minute drive from Montalcino, this family-run property has its own vineyards and aging cellars, which guests can experience via a guided tour. It takes a little under an hour, though if you’re left thirsting to see more of the region’s vinification processes, there’s no shortage of wineries in the area. Stay at one of Montalcino’s accommodations and you can spend several days indulging in a vintage paradise.

But no matter how good the wine is, we’d be doing Montalcino a disservice if we didn’t talk about everything else the town has to offer. History lovers in particular will find themselves enthralled by the town’s antique adventures. Among its attractions are a number of medieval landmarks, including the imposing fortress that houses the keep of Santo Martini and an ancient basilica. There’s also the 14th-century cathedral that was renovated with a beautiful 19th-century facade, as well as a variety of medieval churches. There are even twice-yearly archery contests below the fortress, where locals dress up in medieval garb and compete against each other. 

This small town has an outsize range of attractions, but if all you’d rather do is eat well, sip wine, and take stunning pictures from the hillside, Montalcino is a prime place to relax and enjoy the view.

Northern Italy has some of the most bewitching landscapes in Europe, with the magnificent terrain only rivaled by its splendid towns and cities. It’s no wonder Tuscany and its surrounding areas were chosen for so many Hollywood movies, and fans of Jay Kelly can follow in George Clooney’s footsteps while finding their own adventure among the villas and vineyards. Whether you want to savor historic wine culture, soothe yourself in a thermal spa, or just feel the need to update your wardrobe in one of the world’s fashion capitals, this scenic region has something for you. So prepare for sun-soaked scenery and Renaissance grandeur by booking your flights, securing your hotel, and planning your very own Italian vacation.

Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by the producers of Jay Kelly.