Ben-Hur (1959) – Filming Locations
History / Drama / Adventure · Directed by William Wyler · Starring Charlton Heston, Haya Harareet
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
Where was Ben-Hur filmed?
- Rome, Italy, Rome – Major sequences including chariot race preparations, palace interiors, and street scenes. The majority of the film was shot at Cinecittà, Rome's largest film studio, where elaborate sets were constructed including a full-scale replica of Jerusalem and the famous chariot race arena
- Rome, Italy, Rome – Establishing shots and exterior views of the Roman arena setting. The iconic Colosseum was used for establishing shots to authenticate the Roman setting of the narrative
- Rome, Italy, Rome – Ben-Hur's journey and travel sequences on the Roman road. The historic ancient Roman road was used for exterior sequences showing travel and movement through the Roman empire
- Palestine (Filming Location), Jerusalem area – Exterior desert sequences and landscape establishing shots. Location shooting in the Middle East provided authentic desert landscapes and topography for scenes depicting Judea and the surrounding regions
- Herzliya, Israel, Herzliya – Water sequences and Mediterranean coastal scenes. Israeli coastal locations provided authentic Mediterranean settings for galley scenes and sea sequences