Call Me by Your Name: A Summer in Northern Italy — Filming Locations Guide

February 10, 2026

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Introduction: Falling in Love with Lombardy

Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 masterpiece Call Me by Your Name doesn’t just tell a story—it captures the essence of a Lombardy summer with such intoxicating detail that the Italian landscape itself becomes a character. Based on André Aciman’s novel, the film follows Elio, a precocious American teenager, and Oliver, a charismatic graduate student, as their relationship blooms against the backdrop of Renaissance villas, sun-drenched piazzas, and the idyllic countryside of northern Italy.

The film’s visual poetry is inseparable from its setting. Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom bathes every frame in warm, golden light that makes you feel the heat of the Italian summer and long for afternoon swims in crystalline lakes. If you’ve watched the film and dreamed of retracing Elio and Oliver’s steps—from the elegant villa to the small-town streets where their connection deepens—this guide will help you plan your own Italian adventure through the filming locations of this unforgettable romance.

The Heart of It All: Villa Mormoron d’Argedù in Crema

The soul of Call Me by Your Name is undoubtedly Villa Mormoron d’Argedù, located in Crema, a charming town in the Cremona province of Lombardy. This 18th-century neoclassical villa served as the Perlman family’s summer home, and its elegant rooms, sweeping grounds, and inviting pool are instantly recognizable to anyone who’s seen the film.

Location & Access: The villa is situated in the countryside surrounding Crema, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Milan. While the villa itself is private and not open for regular tours, the town of Crema is easily accessible by train from Milan (about 40 minutes) or by car via the A21 autostrada.

What to See in Crema: The town itself is worth exploring. Wander through the medieval center, dominated by the stunning Duomo (Cathedral) with its terracotta-colored dome and Renaissance architecture. The Piazza Duomo is surrounded by arcaded buildings and offers genuine Italian charm without the tourist overcrowding of larger cities. Stop at a local café, order an espresso or Franciacorta sparkling wine—a regional specialty—and simply absorb the pace of life here.

Nearby Attractions: Just outside Crema, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Croce, a remarkable 15th-century Renaissance church with a perfect circular design. Food lovers should visit the local markets and delis to sample Crema’s culinary heritage: creamy mascarpone cheese, pumpkin tortelli, and the region’s excellent wines.

Pandino: Where Romance Takes to the Streets

Pandino, another small town nearby, appears throughout the film as the location where Elio and Oliver explore their connection more openly. The narrow medieval streets, historic squares, and small-town intimacy of Pandino provide some of the film’s most touching moments—quiet walks, lingering glances, and the kind of spontaneous encounters that feel both dangerous and inevitable in a small Italian town.

Location & Atmosphere: Pandino is just 20 kilometers from Crema, making it easy to visit both towns in a single day trip. The town retains its medieval character, with a castle, narrow cobbled streets, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the villa’s grandeur.

Getting There: Pandino is accessible by car or by regional train from Crema (about 15 minutes). Parking is available near the town center, and the compact size means you can explore on foot in a couple of hours.

What to Experience: Walk the same streets where Elio and Oliver’s story unfolds on screen. Visit the town’s modest piazza, explore the local shops, and stop for lunch at a traditional trattoria. The beauty of these small towns is that they haven’t been transformed into theme parks—they remain authentic Italian communities where you’ll encounter real local life.

Cremona: Renaissance Beauty and Cultural Richness

While the villa dominates the film’s setting, scenes were also shot in Cremona, the larger provincial capital, which sits about 30 kilometers south of Crema. Cremona is famous throughout Italy for its violin-making tradition and possesses extraordinary Renaissance and medieval architecture.

Must-See Locations: The Piazza del Comune is one of Italy’s most impressive squares, surrounded by the Duomo (one of Italy’s finest cathedrals), the Torrazzo (the bell tower), and the Baptistry. This ensemble represents one of the most harmonious groupings of medieval and Renaissance architecture in Italy.

Getting There: Cremona is accessible by train from Milan (about 90 minutes) or from Crema (30 minutes). Once in the city, everything in the historic center is walkable.

Cultural Experiences: Explore the Museo Stradivariano, dedicated to the famous violin makers of Cremona. Visit the Cathedral’s interior to see works by Carracci and other masters. The city’s small size—only about 70,000 people—means you can experience authentic Italian provincial life while enjoying world-class art and architecture.

Lake Garda: The Natural Paradise

Though the villa’s swimming pool is the film’s primary aquatic setting, Lake Garda’s presence hovers throughout Call Me by Your Name, representing freedom, nature, and the larger landscape beyond the villa walls. The largest lake in Italy, Garda is only about 40 kilometers from Crema and deserves a visit.

Why Lake Garda Matters: The lake embodies the natural beauty that complements the film’s sophisticated villa setting. Its clear waters, surrounding hills, and charming lakeside towns make it an ideal day trip or overnight destination.

Where to Go: The lake’s northern towns—Riva del Garda and Torbole—offer stunning scenery and outdoor activities. For a quieter experience, explore the western shore with its small villages and vineyards. Swimming is possible from June through September, with water temperatures reaching comfortable levels by summer.

Getting There: From Crema, head west toward Lake Garda (about 1.5 hours by car). The drive itself is scenic, passing through the Lombardy countryside that forms the film’s visual backdrop.

The Italian Countryside Aesthetic

Beyond specific locations, Call Me by Your Name captures something essential about the Lombardy landscape. Rolling hills, cypress-lined avenues, hidden gardens behind high walls, and the distinctive light of northern Italy in summer—all of this is integral to the film’s romance.

To fully experience this aesthetic, take a drive through the countryside around Crema. Stop at small country churches, visit family-run vineyards, and browse farm shops selling local produce and products. This is where the real magic of the region lies: not in famous monuments, but in the everyday beauty of Italian rural life.

Practical Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June through September) captures the film’s golden light and warmth, though September offers fewer crowds. The summer heat can be intense, so plan indoor activities for the hottest hours (1-4 PM) and enjoy outdoor exploration in early morning or evening.

How to Get There: Fly into Milan, which has two major airports (Malpensa and Linate). From Milan, rent a car for the most flexible exploration of the region. Alternatively, use Italy’s excellent train system to reach Crema or Cremona directly.

Where to Stay: Crema itself offers several small hotels and agriturismos (farmhouse accommodations) that provide an authentic experience. For more amenities, consider staying in Cremona or even Milan and day-tripping to the filming locations.

Food & Wine: Northern Italy’s cuisine is rich and distinctive. Enjoy fresh pasta with pumpkin filling, creamy risotto alla milanese, and aged cheeses. The region produces excellent wines, particularly Franciacorta sparkling wines and Oltrepò Pavese reds.

Language & Culture: English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels, but learning a few Italian phrases enhances interactions with locals. The pace of life here is slower than in major tourist destinations—embrace it.

A Cinema of Place

Call Me by Your Name is ultimately a film about place as much as it is about the characters. Guadagnino understands that the Italian landscape—its architectural harmony, its warm light, its sense of history layered upon beauty—is essential to the story’s emotional resonance. The Lombardy villa and surrounding towns don’t merely provide a backdrop; they represent a world of beauty and possibility that the protagonist encounters.

When you visit these locations, you’re not just following a tourist checklist. You’re stepping into a world that millions of viewers have fallen in love with through cinema, and you’re discovering that the reality is just as enchanting as the film.

Conclusion: Your Call to Italy

Whether you’re a devoted fan of Call Me by Your Name or simply someone drawn to the beauty of northern Italy, the region around Crema offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience authentic Italian life removed from the well-beaten tourist trail. The villa may remain private, but the towns, countryside, lakes, and culture are entirely accessible.

Come for the filming locations, but stay for the experience of summer in Lombardy—the unhurried afternoons, the golden light, the taste of local wine, the sound of Italian spoken in the streets. Visit the piazzas, the churches, the countryside. Swim in Lake Garda, eat fresh pasta in a family-run trattoria, and understand why Luca Guadagnino chose this place to tell a story about yearning and beauty.

The film’s final line—”Call me by your name”—lingers with the specificity of place as much as with emotion. When you visit these locations, northern Italy will call to you by name, too, inviting you into the world that made this unforgettable film possible. Answering that call might be the best decision you make this summer.

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Quick Reference: Filming Locations