Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ has returned with its fifth season, but this time the City of Light shares the spotlight with some of Italy’s most captivating destinations. From the ancient streets of Rome to the dreamy countryside that inspired its fictional village of Solitano, the latest season is fuelling interest in European travel like never before.
In Season 5, the story expands beyond Paris as Emily Cooper embarks on a new chapter of her life in Italy. After being tasked with opening a new branch of Agence Grateau in Rome, Emily finds herself navigating through Italian culture, cuisine, love and various professional and personal challenges.
One of the season’s most enchanting settings is Solitano- a quaint Italian village that serves as the home base for Emily’s journey this time around. While Solitano itself is fictional, it draws vivid inspiration from the real hilltop village of Solomeo in Umbria. It is also famously known as the ‘hamlet of cashmere and harmony’ and the headquarters of luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli.
Solomeo’s charm and ethos resonate through the show’s depiction. Best visited as a half or full day trip, Solomeo is compact and easily walkable. You can easily reach there by car from Perugia, as the option for public transport is quite sparse. Much like the fictional setting, Solomeo fosters a deeply rooted sense of culture and hospitality that visitors say feels straight out of a storybook.
Throughout the day, Solomeo remains largely serene with the surrounding Umbrian landscape and the carefully restored heritage of the 12th-century town taking centre stage. Beyond that, visitors can explore the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Park of Beauty and the Cucinelli Theatre. They can also enjoy handmade pasta, seasonal truffles, grilled meats and local wine. A visit to the Brunello Cucinelli store is also considered an essential stop in the village of Solomeo.
Despite Solitano’s inspiration, most of its scenes were filmed in Ostia Antica, a remarkably well-preserved ancient port city of Rome that stands in for the idyllic village on screen. Season 5 also weaves through iconic Roman landmarks such as the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, a striking architectural symbol. The show later ventures into the floating city of Venice as well.
The show’s cinematic display of Italy’s heritage, art and lifestyle is already inspiring wanderlust among fans. It serves as a visually rich guidebook, inviting viewers to explore Italy’s timeless beauty.
