The much-anticipated prequel to the mighty successful and hugely controversial story “The DaVinci Code” opens today, and “Angels & Demons” is doing more than selling out movie theaters nationwide. Rome travel has increased thanks to Hollywood’s efforts to make Rome a focal point of the movie, and Rome tour operators have captured the travel market with their own “Angels & Demons” tours.
Director Ron Howard spared no expense in bringing viewers the most realistic and believable sites when shooting this movie. While controversy still stirs in The Vatican about the religious theories detailed in “The DaVinci Code” and “Angels & Demons”, there’s no denying that Rome is reaping the benefits of this international phenomenon.
The story is set in Vatican City and around Rome, and pits symbologist Robert Langdon against the Illuminati, known enemies of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s no surprise The Vatican banned the film from being shot in Vatican City or in St. Peter’s Square (“The DaVinci Code” was also banned from shooting in and around Vatican City), but Ron Howard and his team of producers had another canvas to work with: Rome.
The Eternal City is the foundation for the story. The book takes readers on a journey of deception, contradiction, and tests the boundaries of religion and faith through historical sites including the Pantheon, Santa Maria del Popolo, the Piazza Navona, and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
While some may view Dan Brown’s concepts as controversial, there’s no denying his stories – however grandiose they may be – have sparked interest in travel to Rome.
Thanks to a declining summer travel season, airlines have dropped international airfares dramatically for peak season travel. Cheap flights to Rome are starting as low as $500 round trip, including taxes and fees, for summer travel.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
