Where it was filmed 'Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace'

The first chapter of the prequel trilogy, created by the interstellar ability of George Lucas, is memorable not only for the detailed CGI (computer-generated imagery) landscapes, but also for its clever use of real locations. These included the Tatouine desert in Tunisia, the planet Tatooine in the film, and an Italian location par excellence, the Reggia di Caserta.

The interiors of the Reggia were used for Queen Amidala’s elegant Royal Palace on planet Naboo. An early scene sees Queen Amidala and her advisers discussing the possibility of avoiding a war with the Trade Federation. The throne room was built in the upper vestibule of the Reggia, whose circular form is decorated with a row of columns and dominated by marble decorations.

The queen and her court, now prisoners of the Federation, descend the adjacent, famous Scalone d’onore, with its principal staircase and two upper ramps with marble lions. Still at the Reggia, the vestibule is the setting for a discussion about moves against the Jedis and the Queen between a hologram of evil Darth Sidious and the Federation’s viceroys, while the large entrance gallery on the ground floor hosts a conversation between Federation leaders and the apprentice Darth Maul. Later, in the Throne Room, Queen Amidala and her army will manage to capture the Viceroy and re-establish peace on planet Naboo.