The film was shot almost entirely on the canals and in the palaces of Venice. The most significant locations of the lagoon city include the Monastery complex of St George on the island facing piazza San Marco. This Renaissance monastery, designed by Andrea Palladio, serves as Portia’s home in the scene where she greets her suitor, Bassanio, on the monumental sixteenth century staircase.
Multiple scenes were also set in the villas and gardens of Veneto. The interiors of Castle of Thiene (VI), whose architecture is strongly evocative of Venice, provided the home of the merchant Antonio, seen when he receives his friends in the upper gallery. Meanwhile, the Castle stables were transformed into a church for Portia’s wedding to Bassanio.
Other locations included Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani in Valsanzibio, a hamlet of Galzignano Terme (PD). Another principal location here was the adjacent Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio with its majestic Portal of Diana, the estate’s main water entrance.
The film was shot almost entirely on the canals and in the palaces of Venice. The most significant locations of the lagoon city include the Monastery complex of St George on the island facing piazza San Marco. This Renaissance monastery, designed by Andrea Palladio, serves as Portia’s home in the scene where she greets her suitor, Bassanio, on the monumental sixteenth century staircase.
Multiple scenes were also set in the villas and gardens of Veneto. The interiors of Castle of Thiene (VI), whose architecture is strongly evocative of Venice, provided the home of the merchant Antonio, seen when he receives his friends in the upper gallery. Meanwhile, the Castle stables were transformed into a church for Portia’s wedding to Bassanio.
Other locations included Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani in Valsanzibio, a hamlet of Galzignano Terme (PD). Another principal location here was the adjacent Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio with its majestic Portal of Diana, the estate’s main water entrance.
Movision Entertainment, Avenue Pictures
Based on the play by William Shakespeare. Noble Bassanio is in love with beautiful Portia but does not have the money to court her. He consults his friend, the merchant Antonio, who ends up in debt to the moneylender Shylock, after agreeing to a deal that puts his life in danger.