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Christopher Nolan has a decades-long reputation for taking on ambitious films. So it’s saying something that his adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey—which hit theaters July 17—might be his biggest project yet. The film follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War—a tale so epic, it demanded a production to match.
Nolan, who had a massive $250 million budget, spoke about the film’s elaborate undertaking at CinemaCon in April. “This has been an absolute nightmare to film…but in all the right ways,” he said, per People. “We had an amazing time doing it.”
He added, “We went all over the world to make this film because this is The Odyssey. You’ll be pleased to hear how difficult it was for us because it’s meant to be difficult. That’s the nature of the story.” That approach led Nolan to film in various locations, staying true to his preference for practical effects and real locales over digital-heavy production methods.
From the Mediterranean shores to Nordic landscapes, the destinations captured the drama and grandeur of Homer’s saga. Here’s a closer look at the places that brought the ancient story to life.
Greece
Peloponnese Region: Nestor’s Cave, Voidokilia Beach, Methoni Castle
No adaptation of The Odyssey would be complete without filming in Greece. Last year, the Hellenic Film Commission confirmed that the crew visited multiple sites in the Peloponnese region. These included Nestor’s Cave, a coastal cave linked to Greek mythology, and Voidokilia Beach, famous for its semicircular shape and turquoise waters.
The colossal castle of Methoni stretches roughly 93 acres.Gatsi – Getty Images
Other featured locations are Almyrolaka Beach, the medieval Methoni Castle, and Acrocorinth, an ancient acropolis that rises above the land. These scenic spots help ground the film in its original setting and highlight the historical background of Homer’s epic poem.
Italy
Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
Italy is a key setting for the film. Much of the production is based in Sicily, especially on the island of Favignana, also known as “Goat Island.” Cast members, such as Damon and Tom Holland, were seen filming on its rocky coast in March of last year. Sicily has long been linked to The Odyssey and is thought to have inspired the land of the Cyclopes.
According to legend, Favignana was where Odysseus and his crew stopped before they faced Cyclops Polyphemus.Francesco Riccardo Iacomino – Getty Images
According to The Times, filming extended to the Aeolian Islands, including Basiluzzo, Lipari, and Vulcano. Their volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines create a natural, almost mythical setting for the story’s encounters with gods and monsters.
Further south of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, the country of Malta also served as a shooting location.
Scotland
Moray Firth Coast, Findlater Castle, Culbin Forest
Parts of The Odyssey were filmed along Scotland’s Moray Firth coast. The ruins of Findlater Castle, perched high on a cliff, offered a rugged, windswept backdrop in contrast with some of the Mediterranean settings. Meanwhile, nearby beaches were reportedly set up with shipwreck props, suggesting scenes of disaster and survival.
Findlater Castle is located on a rocky cliff about 50 feet above the Moray Firth.rpeters86 – Getty Images
Additional filming took place in Burghead, a historic coastal village with an ancient fort, and in the sand dunes and woodlands of Culbin Forest. The crew also used Buckie harbor, where Draken Harald Hårfagre, the largest Viking ship built in modern times, was docked for filming.
Iceland
Landeyjahöfn, Highlands, Glacier Regions
Nolan made a return trip to Iceland, where he filmed Batman Begins and Interstellar. This time, the Highlands and glacier-covered regions played host to some of the film’s otherworldly moments, according to travel magazine Stuck in Iceland. The publication also reported that a large ship set, likely representing Odysseus’s vessel, was built near the coastal harbor of Landeyjahöfn.
The Odyssey’s exact filming location in the Icelandic Highlands is unconfirmed, but the Sigöldugljúfur canyon offers a look at the region’s stunning terrain.Chiara Guarascio – Getty Images
Picture glacial ice, black sand, and vast open spaces shaping surreal scenes where sirens and other mythical creatures might just pop up.
Morocco
Marrakech, Tahannaout, Aït Benhaddou, and more
Morocco’s mix of desert dunes and fortified cities has made it a popular choice for filmmakers. For The Odyssey, scenes were shot in Marrakech, Tahannaout, El Haouz, and Essaouira, BBC’s Countryfile reported.
Aït Benhaddou is a highlight among the locations. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed ksar in Ouarzazate province is rumored to represent the ancient city of Troy. Its mud-brick buildings and wide desert views are sure to offer a convincing backdrop for big battle scenes and ancient worlds.
Watch the trailer for The Odyssey below.
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