The locations of Leopardi & Co., the Italian film starring Whoopi Goldberg that celebrates the Marche region.

Recanati, the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi, takes center stage in the film Leopardi & Co. , directed by Federica Biondi . The romantic comedy was filmed entirely in this charming town in the Marche region, transforming its landscapes into an extraordinary film set.

" The film represents an extraordinary opportunity to promote the Marche region and celebrate our important cultural identity. The presence of an Oscar-winning cast, combined with the historic beauty of Recanati, birthplace of the great poet, will create a special bond between cinema and poetry, " said Andrea Agostini , President of the Fondazione Marche Cultura and the Marche Film Commission.

What is Leopardi & Co. about?

David is an ambitious American actor, searching for the role that will propel him to the heights of international stardom. His superficiality, however, leads him to ignore the scripts he receives. When agent Mildred persuades him, almost by force, to play the lead in Giacomo in Love , a new film by acclaimed Italian director Ruggero Mitri , David is certain it's a story about Casanova .

He shows up on the Recanati set without any preparation, only then discovering that the "Giacomo" in question is Leopardi. To fill in his gaps, the production team assigns him to Silvia, a local expert and expert on the poet. Their first meeting is anything but friendly: a palpable antipathy immediately develops between the two.

Where was it filmed?

Leopardi & Co. uses Recanati as a narrative and poetic stage. Among its iconic locations—from the Hill of Infinity to the Tower of the Lonely Sparrow, passing through the central square and the port of Numana— the city reveals itself as the heart of the story . The film's production transformed Recanati into a living set, capable of combining scenic beauty, cultural ties, and vibrant popular participation. A model of "territorial cinema" that unites art, history, and tourism promotion.

The medieval streets, porticoes, brick facades, and Renaissance squares offer an authentic and romantic backdrop. Piazza Giacomo Leopardi in particular was chosen for the film's screening event and embodies the beating heart of the village. However, the locations associated with the pessimistic poet not to be missed if you happen to be in Recanati are the following.

The Garden of the Hill of Infinity

The Garden of the Hill of Infinity is one of Recanati's most iconic sites , immortalized by the verses of Giacomo Leopardi. Located next to the famous National Center for Leopardi Studies and now part of the FAI – Italian Environment Fund, this garden overlooks a breathtaking panorama that stretches from the Marche hills to the Sibillini mountain range and, on clear days, the Adriatic Sea.

Here, the young Leopardi found inspiration for his reflections and some of his most famous poems, including "The Infinite." The suspended atmosphere, the silence broken only by the sounds of nature, and the view that seems to merge with the horizon create an experience that still evokes the sense of infinity sung by the poet.

In the film Leopardi & Co. , the Garden of the Hill of Infinity becomes not only an evocative backdrop, but a true silent character : a place where the protagonists come into contact with poetry and the very soul of Recanati, intertwining the lightness of romantic comedy with the depth of literary tradition.

Lonely Sparrow Tower

The Torre del Passero Solitario (Tower of the Lonely Sparrow) is an ancient medieval tower located near Porta San Filippo in Recanati, and owes its name to Leopardi's famous poem "The Lonely Sparrow ." Once an integral part of the city's defensive walls, the tower dominates the surrounding landscape, offering an open view of the Marche hills and the historic village.

For Leopardi, this place became a symbol of isolation and meditation, inspiring verses steeped in melancholy and an awareness of the passing of time. The figure of the small bird perched atop the tower becomes, in his poetry, a metaphor for the individual observing life from a distance, immersed in his own thoughts.

In Leopardi & Co. , the Torre del Passero Solitario appears as an evocative setting, in which the love story of the protagonists is ideally intertwined with the poetry and timeless charm of Recanati, transforming a literary symbol into a film set capable of thrilling even on the big screen.

Port of Numana and surroundings

The port of Numana, overlooking the Conero Riviera , is one of the most picturesque spots on the Marche coast. Framed by white cliffs and turquoise waters , it combines the lively spirit of a seaside village with the tranquility of a well-equipped tourist harbor. The fishing boats and small yachts docked create an authentic atmosphere, enhanced by restaurants and waterfront bars where you can enjoy the catch of the day.

The area surrounding the port offers breathtaking scenery: from the beaches of Numana Bassa and Numana Alta , perfect for those who love the sea and relaxation, to the panoramic trails of Monte Conero , offering spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets. Nearby, towns like Sirolo and Marcelli complete the experience with quaint villages and wild beaches.