Cyrano - Bennett and Dinklage - San Matteo Church in Scicli, Sicily
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Peter Dinklage Brings Cyrano to Scicli, Sicily

In the heart of Sicily, where baroque beauty meets timeless landscapes, the town of Scicli had the unique honor of becoming a cinematic stage for a major Hollywood production: Cyrano (2021), starring Peter Dinklage. Directed by BAFTA winner Joe Wright, Cyrano brought the classic tale of unspoken love and poetic passion to life—and for a few magical days, Scicli’s iconic Church of San Matteo became part of that story.

A Historic Backdrop for a Timeless Tale

The Church of San Matteo, perched on a hill overlooking Scicli’s historic center, is one of the town’s most treasured landmarks. Its weathered baroque facade and panoramic views of the surrounding valley made it an ideal location for the emotionally charged climax of Cyrano. In the film, this sacred setting becomes a place of quiet reflection, heartbreak, and ultimately, farewell—a fitting use for a space that evokes both grandeur and intimacy.

Peter Dinklage in Scicli

Peter Dinklage, best known for his Emmy-winning role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, delivered a powerful and nuanced performance as Cyrano de Bergerac. His presence in Scicli brought international attention to the town, as the production captured sweeping shots of San Matteo at golden hour, blending the rugged Sicilian landscape with the film’s lyrical atmosphere.

Locals watched with fascination as cast and crew transformed the church and its surroundings into a film set. The production respected the character of the place, working in harmony with its natural light and architecture. Dinklage’s scenes at San Matteo are among the most poignant in the film—an unforgettable moment where performance and place are beautifully intertwined.

Scicli’s Growing Role in International Cinema

Scicli has long been admired for its unique baroque charm, and has become increasingly popular with filmmakers seeking authentic and visually stunning locations. From Italian TV classics like Inspector Montalbano to international films like Cyrano, Scicli continues to establish itself as a cinematic gem.

Visitors to Scicli can now walk in the footsteps of Cyrano, stand before the Church of San Matteo, and imagine the lights, the cameras, and the emotion that unfolded there. It’s a chance to experience the magic of cinema where it happened—and to fall in love, as so many filmmakers have, with the soul of Scicli.


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