ActionAdventure

🎬 Where Was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Filmed? Complete Petra, Jordan Location Guide

1989

Steven Spielberg

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Follow Indy's quest for the Grail across stunning real-world sites. Discover adventure and history in every iconic frame!

About 🎬 Where Was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Filmed? Complete Petra, Jordan Location Guide

🎬 Where Was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Filmed? Complete Petra, Jordan Location Guide

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 🚀 "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" didn't just give us the legendary duo of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery; it took us on a thrilling global chase that showcased some of the planet's most jaw-dropping real-world locations. From the ancient deserts of Jordan to the romantic canals of Venice, this film is a travel-lover's dream.

More than just a backdrop, these iconic places are characters in their own right, lending unparalleled authenticity and grandeur to Indy's quest for the Holy Grail. They're brimming with history, mystery, and that undeniable cinematic magic that makes you want to pack your bags right now.

Imagine tracing Dr. Jones's footsteps, feeling the thrill of discovery, and snapping photos that look straight out of a blockbuster. These aren't just movie sets; they're UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural wonders waiting for you to explore.

Join us as we unveil the real-life treasures behind this classic film. We're diving deep into each filming location, giving you the best tips for planning your own cinematic pilgrimage. Get ready to go beyond the screen and into the adventure! 🌍

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) - Petra, Jordan: The Grail Temple's Grand Entrance ✨

🏛️ The Location

Carved directly into the sandstone rock face of the Siq canyon, Al-Khazneh, or "The Treasury," is Petra's most famous and stunning monument. This ancient city in Jordan was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a bustling trade hub that thrived over 2,000 years ago. Its intricate Hellenistic facade leaves visitors awe-struck.

🎥 In the Film

This iconic structure served as the stunning exterior of the Temple of the Sun (the resting place of the Holy Grail) in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Indy, his father, and the rest of the expedition finally arrive here after their long and perilous journey, revealing the dramatic climax of their quest. It's truly a moment that cements Petra's status in cinematic history.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Petra Archaeological Park, Wadi Musa, Jordan

🕒 Hours: Daily, typically 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (summers), 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM (winters)

💰 Admission: Jordan Pass recommended for tourists to save money and include visa fees. Otherwise, single day pass is around 50 JD.

🌐 Website: https://www.petra.gov.jo/

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive as early as possible to experience the Treasury with fewer crowds and enjoy the soft morning light for incredible photos! Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a good amount of walking. 🎬 Fun Fact: While the exterior of the Grail Temple was Petra, the interior, with its booby traps and the Grail Knight, was a specially constructed set built at Elstree Studios in England!

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🎬 Church of San Barnaba, Venice, Italy: The Library of Secrets 🕵️‍♀️

Stunning architecture of Church of San Barnaba featuring its distinctive green dome and entrance

🏛️ The Location

The Church of San Barnaba (Chiesa di San Barnaba) is a Roman Catholic church located in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. Consecrated in 1776, it boasts a neoclassical facade and a modest interior, now sometimes used for exhibitions. Its historical significance lies in its architecture and quiet position away from the main tourist throngs.

🎥 In the Film

This quaint Venetian church stood in for the exterior of the library where Indiana Jones and Dr. Elsa Schneider follow clues to find the resting place of the knight's tomb. It's here that Indy spectacularly bursts out of a manhole, emerging from the flooded catacombs beneath the building, narrowly escaping the Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Campiello della Chiesa o de San Barnaba, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

🕒 Hours: Typically open during the day, but often used for cultural events or exhibitions (check local listings).

💰 Admission: Free to view exterior. Exhibitions may have a fee.

🌐 Website: No official website, but can be found on Venice tourism sites.

💡 Pro Tip: Explore the charming Dorsoduro district around the church. It's known for its authentic Venetian atmosphere, art galleries, and lovely canals, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling San Marco area. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "X" that marked the spot in the library floor was actually located in Westminster Abbey in London, not Venice! The interior library scenes were likely filmed on a set.

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🎬 Schloss Bürresheim (Bürresheim Castle), Mayen, Germany: Brunwald Castle's Grand Facade 🏰

Beautiful view of Schloss Bürresheim (Bürresheim Castle) showcasing its medieval towers and surrounding greenery

🏛️ The Location

Schloss Bürresheim is a truly impressive medieval castle nestled in the Eifel mountains near Mayen, Germany. Uniquely, it has never been destroyed, remaining largely intact over its long history, which dates back to the 12th century. Its picturesque setting and well-preserved architecture make it a stunning example of German fortresses.

🎥 In the Film

This castle provided the menacing exterior shots for "Schloss Brunwald," the fictional Austrian castle where Professor Henry Jones Sr. is held captive by the Nazis. Indiana Jones dramatically infiltrates the castle to rescue his father, leading to an explosion and a thrilling escape. Only its exterior was used for the film.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 56727 Sankt Johann, Germany

🕒 Hours: Vary by season, typically 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays. Best to check ahead.

💰 Admission: Around €5-€10 for guided tours of the interior.

🌐 Website: https://www.burresheim.de/ (German only, use translator)

💡 Pro Tip: Pair your visit to Schloss Bürresheim with a trip to nearby Burg Eltz, another incredibly picturesque and well-preserved German castle, for a full day of fairytale exploration. 🎬 Fun Fact: The interiors of Schloss Brunwald, including the office where Indy finds his father, were filmed on a soundstage, perfectly replicating the castle's authentic medieval style.

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🎬 Double Arch, Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA: Young Indy's Origin Story 🤠

Impressive facade of Double Arch displaying its two massive sandstone arches against a blue sky

🏛️ The Location

Located in the breathtaking Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, Double Arch is one of the park's most iconic natural sandstone formations. It's unique for its two massive arches, which share a common pier, creating a spectacular and dramatic landscape. The park is renowned for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches.

🎥 In the Film

Double Arch plays a crucial role in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as the setting for the memorable opening sequence. This is where we first meet a young Indiana Jones (River Phoenix), who discovers a group of grave robbers and attempts to reclaim the Cross of Coronado. The landscape vividly captures the rugged American West that shaped Indy's daring spirit.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532, USA

🕒 Hours: Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Timed entry may be required seasonally.

💰 Admission: $30 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days) or use an America the Beautiful pass.

🌐 Website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset! The light paints the sandstone arches in incredible hues of orange and red, offering spectacular photo opportunities and a cooler, more comfortable hiking experience. 🎬 Fun Fact: Despite the film being set in Utah for the opening scene, scenes depicting the circus train and its pursuit were actually filmed in Antonito, Colorado, known for its scenic railways!

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🎬 Grand Canal, Venice, Italy: High-Speed Pursuit! 🚤

Authentic street scene of Grand Canal capturing gondolas and historical buildings lining the waterway

🏛️ The Location

The Grand Canal is the main waterway of Venice, Italy, forming a large S-shape through the city. Lined with hundreds of palazzi, churches, and historical buildings, it's the city's primary thoroughfare for water taxis, vaporetto (public water buses), and the famous gondolas. It is the heart of Venice's iconic beauty and history.

🎥 In the Film

The Grand Canal provides the thrilling backdrop for one of the film's most exciting chase sequences. After escaping the library, Indy and Elsa are pursued by members of the Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword in a high-speed boat chase through Venice's intricate canals, with several memorable crashes and near misses along the historic waterway.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Grand Canal, Venice, Italy (accessible from various points across the city)

🕒 Hours: Always open!

💰 Admission: Vaporetto tickets vary, gondola rides start from €80 per 25-30 mins.

🌐 Website: Venice Official Tourism Website (multiple sources available)

💡 Pro Tip: Take a vaporetto (Line 1 or 2) for a budget-friendly and scenic tour of the entire Grand Canal. It offers incredible views and the chance to spot famous landmarks seen in the film. 🎬 Fun Fact: Filming the high-speed boat chase on the Grand Canal required careful coordination and special permits, as the area is usually bustling with regular Venetian boat traffic. Much of the action was strategically blocked off for filming.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Dive into the magic of filmmaking with these fascinating tidbits from the creation of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"!

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Spielberg wanted a story that felt grand and epic, but also deeply personal. This meant selecting locations that could convey both the global adventure and the claustrophobic tension of Indy's relationship with his father, culminating in a place of ultimate historical significance.

🎨 Visual Style: The film's visual style embraced practical effects and real locations to give it a tangible, lived-in feel. Spielberg believed in showing the actors interacting with the environment firsthand, making the stunts and the scale of the adventure feel incredibly real.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 A Family Affair: The chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery was immediate and electric, contributing significantly to the film's success.

🎭 Practical Effects Power: Many of the film's spectacular sequences, including the tank chase and the boat explosions, relied heavily on impressive practical effects for authentic impact.

🎨 Global Shoot: The production spanned multiple countries, including the USA, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Jordan, showcasing the vast geographical scope of the story.

🎯 Desert Challenges: Filming in Petra involved navigating hot desert conditions and adhering to strict rules to preserve the ancient site, making the crew's work more challenging.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Age-Old Wisdom: The idea for Henry Jones Sr. to carry a Grail diary came from screenwriter Jeffrey Boam, making the macguffin not just an object but a character in itself.

😮 Stunt Troubles: Harrison Ford injured a disk in his back during the tank chase scene, but true to his spirit, he continued filming.

🎉 Historic Achievement: "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" was praised for its balance of action, humor, and heartfelt character moments, becoming a beloved entry in the franchise.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow Indy's path? Here’s how to plan your own epic adventure to these cinematic hotspots!

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: Petra - Wadi Musa Guest House ($50-80/night) - Offers clean, comfortable rooms with local hospitality near the Petra entrance.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Venice - Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo ($150-250/night) - Charming hotel in a quieter part of Venice, close to vaporetto stops and historical sites.

✨ Luxury: Venice - The Gritti Palace ($800+/night) - Experience unparalleled luxury right on the Grand Canal, where you can watch the Gondolas pass by.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro (Italy): Venice is best explored on foot and by Vaporetto (water bus). Purchase a daily or multi-day pass for easy canal navigation.

🚗 Car (Jordan, Germany, USA): Renting a car is recommended for flexibility when visiting Petra (Jordan), Schloss Bürresheim (Germany), or Arches National Park (USA). These locations are best accessed by road.

🚶 Walking (Everywhere!): Many of the locations are walkable, especially once you're inside the Petra park or exploring Venice's charming alleyways. Embrace comfortable shoes!

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: For Petra and Arches, sunrise or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and providing warm hues. Venice is charming at any time, but early mornings avoid crowds.

📱 Instagram Spots: At Petra, frame the Treasury through the Siq for that iconic reveal shot. In Venice, capture the vibrant life of the Grand Canal from a bridge or a Gondola.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate Indy's pose emerging from the "library" in Venice or stand in awe before the Double Arch, embracing your inner adventurer.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" is a fictional adventure film, though it draws heavily on historical myths and real-world locations.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Absolutely not! These locations are spread across multiple continents (North America, Europe, Middle East). You'll need separate trips to visit each region.

💰 How much should I budget?

Budgeting depends heavily on duration, accommodation, and travel style. For a multi-destination trip covering all film locations, expect several thousands of dollars per person, including flights and local expenses.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended, especially for complex sites like Petra. Local guides can provide invaluable historical insights and logistical support.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" took place from May 1988 to February 1989.

🌍 Is Petra, Jordan safe for tourists?

Yes, Jordan is generally considered a safe and welcoming country for tourists. Petra is a major tourist destination with robust infrastructure and security measures in place.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" doesn't just entertain; it inspires. It reminds us that real-world history, breathtaking nature, and architectural wonders are just as captivating as anything conjured on a soundstage. Following Indy's trail is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of adventure.

So, whether you dream of exploring ancient Nabataean cities, navigating Venetian canals, or discovering the vastness of American national parks, these filming locations offer an unparalleled experience. Pack your fedora, grab your map, and prepare to write your own chapter in the legacy of adventure.

Feeling inspired? Share this guide with your fellow film fanatics, book your next flight, and embark on your very own cinematic expedition. The world—and its many movie sets—awaits!

Year Released

1989

Director

Steven Spielberg

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Steven Spielberg's vision for 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' was deeply personal, aiming to explore the relationship between Indy and his father. This familial dynamic influenced the choice of locations, each mirroring a stage in their quest for reconciliation and the Holy Grail. The production spanned continents, blending breathtaking historical sites with meticulously crafted sets, ensuring an epic scale that felt both authentic and fantastical. Every location was chosen not just for its beauty, but for how it could enhance the unfolding narrative and the characters' emotional journey.

Sean Connery was the top choice for Henry Jones Sr. from the very beginning.
River Phoenix portrayed young Indiana Jones, perfectly capturing Harrison Ford's mannerisms.
The iconic exterior of the Grail Temple is actually Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan, but the interior was a built set.
Harrison Ford did many of his own stunts, including the intense boat chase in Venice.
The castle used for Schloss Brunwald was Bürresheim Castle in Germany, but only the exterior was filmed there.
During filming in Petra, the crew had to deal with strict regulations to protect the ancient site.
The tank chase sequence was filmed in Almería, Spain, involving a real tank modified just for the film.
The 'X marks the spot' scene in the library was filmed at Westminster Abbey in London, though the dialogue implied Venice.
The Grail Knight was played by Robert Eddison, who was 81 years old at the time of filming.
A separate unit filmed the exciting opening sequence in Utah with River Phoenix.
The film was initially planned as 'Indiana Jones and the Monkey King' or 'Indiana Jones and the Alien' before settling on the Holy Grail theme.
The film was a massive box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1989.

Location Gallery

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra, Jordan

Church of San Barnaba, Venice, Italy

Schloss Bürresheim (Bürresheim Castle), Mayen, Germany

Double Arch, Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra, Jordan, Church of San Barnaba, Venice, Italy, Schloss Bürresheim (Bürresheim Castle), Mayen, Germany in one day.