A Guide to The Sopranos Naples Filming Locations in Italy!
The Sopranos is a legendary crime drama television show that ran between 1999 and 2007 which follows Tony Soprano, the boss of an organised crime family in New Jersey, as he deals with life as the boss and tells all to his psychiatrist. It’s arguably the best drama show ever made and paved the way for shows like Breaking Bad.
They film one episode on location in Naples, Italy and I had to find the spots so read my Sopranos blog for the ultimate guide to The Sopranos locations by episode in Italy!
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Contents (jump to)
About The Naples Sopranos Episode / FAQ
- Where does The Sopranos take place? It’s mainly set in New Jersey in USA but there is one episode where they travel to Naples, Italy.
- Which episode is The Sopranos setting in Italy? The episode is called Commendatori from season 2, episode 4 and is the 17th episode overall of HBO Sopranos episodes.
- What happens in Italy? Tony, Christopher and Paulie travel to Italy to discuss the smuggling of stolen luxury cars with a local Camorra family. In exchange for the prices of the cars, Tony negotiates for English-speaking made man, Furio, to join his crew in the USA.
- Which of The Sopranos actors went to Italy? James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), and Tony Sirico (Paulie Gualtieri).
- Who is The Sopranos Annalisa? Annalisa Zucca is the daughter of the boss of the Naples Mafia, Don Vittorio, currently senile, and wife of Mauro Zucca, currently in prison, which makes her the de facto head of the family.
- Where did they film The Sopranos in Naples? That’s what this guide will answer for you!
One of The Sopranos best episodes is Commendatori because the crew actually go to the motherland: Italy. They describe their associates in Italy as ‘our friends over the other side’ so it’s great to see them in a new yet familiar setting where the roots of the ‘family’ are which makes it a contender for the best Sopranos episode. It showcases things Italy is known for like the food, family traditions, language, art and history.
It’s also where we are introduced to Furio, we see Paulie pitying himself, there is a female head of the family, the start of Christopher’s addiction, we hear some of The Sopranos best songs in this episode as well as some fantastic Italy shots.
Which is why when I visited I had to research and find The Sopranos filming locations to put together this definitive guide to The Sopranos locations in Italy including the place in Naples, the scene from the episode and The Sopranos best quotes.
Essentials Before Travel
- The walk around all these locations is fairly long so wear comfortable shoes and plan your day out so you have time to see it all
- Recap on the Sopranos Commendatori episode or rent on Prime Video or go old school with the DVD collection!
- Stay somewhere smart in Naples for your Sopranos walking tour through this deals finder:
All The Sopranos Naples Filming Locations
Woke up this morning, got myself a guide to Sopranos filming locations in Naples and included the best Sopranos quotes!
1) Mount Vesuvius
Mt Vesuvius has become synonymous with Naples so the stills of the volcano were definitely going to be used through the episode where the guys go to Naples!
‘Vesuvius, Jesus’
You can see Vesuvius the best from Lungomare, Naples Port, while taking the ferry out of Naples or even take a tour to visit the volcano yourself.
2) Naples Harbour / Port
Naples Port is seen when Tony and the crew arrive in Naples.
‘Naples, Ischia and Capri. And oh, the food.
Naples Harbour/Port is easy to find as wherever you are in Naples, if you walk toward the ocean, you’ll find the port or use your Maps and the route is correct.
3) Hotel Excelsior
The Hotel Excelsior is real in Naples and where Tony, Chrissy and Paulie stay during their business trip. It can be seen from multiple angles and costs as much in real life as I imagine the Sopranos would have paid. Check prices and availability to stay in the real Sopranos Naples hotel!
‘I’m gonna hoof it back to the Excelsior’
Hotel Excelsior is on the corner of the streets Via Partenope and Lungomare di Napoli. It is opposite Castel dell’Ovo and has great views of the city and Gulf of Naples.
Address: Via Partenope, Via Francesco Caracciolo, 48, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
4) Tunnel della Vittoria
There is just a quick shot of cars passing through this tunnel.
‘Look at this, the mother country’
You can only visit this location by car as it’s just the tunnel on the road to Naples so if you’re brave enough to drive in Naples, you can head to Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton.
5) Piazza San Francesco di Paola
This is a classic image of Naples and in the episode of the old castle walls, hustle and bustle of people with the fish market in front and motorbikes/cars passing by.
‘Going to Italy huh’
6) Fontana del Gigante / Fountain of the Giant
Right next to the Hotel Excelsior is this monument shown in this episode when they arrive at the hotel in Naples, it can be seen in the background when they get out the taxi.
‘I feel sorry for anyone who hasn’t been [..] don’t put it off another second’
This was under construction when I visited but if the hotel is directly behind you, look across the road and to the left and you’ll see the Fontana.
Address: Via Partenope, Via Francesco Caracciolo, 48, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy
7) Via Partenope
There is one shot of this road which is the road that the Hotel Excelsior is found and the shot is from the opposite end of the hotel.
‘Fabulous, I felt right at home’
Read Next: How To Spend One Day in Naples, Italy!
8) Procida Island
Procida Island is in the Bay of Naples and shots of the island from the ocean are seen throughout this Sopranos episode.
‘A woman boss? Never happen in the States’
‘Our men kill each other [..] but in love to their mamas yeah so being a woman comes natural’
The best way to see the shots of Procida Island is on the ferry between Naples, Procida and Ischia as well as have a lovely day trip to the Naples islands.
9) Monte di Procida Mansion
This is the mansion where Annalisa lives and invites Tony to stay, eat and discuss business. It’s an impressive place but not actually located in the city of Naples it’s on the island of Procida.
‘Tony, come down to eat’
‘Jesus Christ, is that all you people do’
If you visit the island of Procida head to the Monte di Procida commune to see this mansion in real life from one of The Sopranos best scenes.
10) Restaurant
Where Tony and Annalisa have dinner and discuss her superstitions about cutting and destroying her toenails.
‘You hungry?’
‘I could eat’
The closest looking restaurant would be Ristorante Da Lucullo on the beach near Via Montegrillo.
Get the Gabagool with this Naples Food Guide for Sopranos and Food!
11) Via dei Tribunali
This is one of the most popular streets in Naples and best locations Sopranos filmed in as well as one of the funniest scenes in the episode. Paulie is sitting here enjoying a coffee and says ‘commendatori’ to men sat next to him. The man looks at him and looks away without replying. The man is actually David Chase!!
‘Commendatori, Buongiorno, Cocksuckers’
12) Piazza San Gaetano
This is the piazza where the old ladies are seen sitting and is opposite the San Pietro a Maiella church. I seen woman and men all over Campania doing this exact thing, just sitting on rounded benches and socialising.
‘Commendatori, like a commander. I like that. That’s respect’
This location is on the same street as Paulie’s scenes so when visiting there just walk a few minutes and you’ll see the Piazza on the right. When I visited, the bench was not there but I knew this was the spot due to the very same positioning of the lamp post and bollard.
The best way to find the Sopranos locations in Naples? Getting an E-Sim to stay connected while in Europe! I use Airalo and it’s cheap, fast and reliable! Use my referral code, SHIREE9313, and we’ll both get USD$3 off the next plan!
13) Baia Beach
Where Tony tells Annalisa he wants Furio to join him in America and Annalisa names her price.
‘So you want Naples guys’
14) Piazza del Plebiscito
This is a grand place to visit in Naples! It’s a 360 shot of the square and statues as the song ‘Certamente’ by Madreblu begins to play before it shows Chrissy high in his hotel room.
‘I hope we get some spare time, I’m gonna see that volcano’
Address: Piazza del Plebiscito, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
I listened to an amazing book about The Sopranos on Audible called Woke Up This Morning written by Michael Imperioli (Chrissy) which gives inside information, exclusive interviews/quotes and fun facts about the show! Did you know you can get a free book on Audible by signing up to the free trial? Get your free book about The Sopranos by signing up to Audible here.
15) Via Montegrillo
This is the road where Paulie is seen sitting on a bench in Baia.
‘Commendatori [..] I’m from America’
16) Arco Felice a Cuma
This is a quick shot in the episode as Tony and Annalisa are on their way to explore the caves and discuss business.
‘You are your own worst enemy’
Address: Arco Felice, 80078 Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy
17) Archaeological Site of Cuma / Sybil’s Caves
At the caves, Annalisa tells Tony about the myths and history of the Sybil as well as discussing their sexual chemistry.
‘Second most important oracle, after Delphi‘
Address: 5 Strada Provinciale Cuma Licola, Monte di Cuma, 80078, Italy
Thanks for reading. Are you a fan of The Sopranos? Did you like this episode in Naples?
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