While much of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is rooted in British landscapes and northern European mythology, Italy played a significant, albeit subtle, role in shaping some of the iconic locations in Middle-earth. Tolkien’s visits to Italy and his impressions of its natural and historical beauty have left traces in his work, from the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the volcanic island of Stromboli.
Stromboli: the real mount Doom
One of the most direct Italian influences in Tolkien’s work is the volcanic island of Stromboli, which served as inspiration for Mount Doom, or Orodruin, in Mordor. During his travels, Tolkien passed by Stromboli, an active volcano located off the coast of Sicily, and it is said that the sight of the volcano erupting at night left a deep impression on him. The constant eruptions of Stromboli, known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” with its fiery glow visible from great distances, closely align with the destructive and ominous presence of Mount Doom, where Sauron forged the One Ring
The Dolomites: the Misty Mountains
The Dolomites in northern Italy are another Italian landscape often linked to Middle-earth, particularly the Misty Mountains. Their sharp, craggy peaks and remote, awe-inspiring beauty evoke the same sense of grandeur and peril that the Fellowship encounters as they traverse the Misty Mountains. Tolkien visited the Dolomites during a trip to the Alps in 1911, and while much of his inspiration came from Swiss landscapes, the rugged, imposing nature of the Dolomites seems to have left its mark as well
Gondor: echoes of Rome and Ravenna
Tolkien’s description of Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, bears a strong resemblance to the ancient city of Ravenna, known for its Byzantine architecture and historical significance. Tolkien even placed Gondor at a latitude similar to Florence, further suggesting that the cities of northern Italy served as models for the grandeur and decay of Gondor. The white-stone architecture and mountain-backed cities of northern Italy, such as Ravenna and Rome, may have inspired the mighty walls and towers of Minas Tirith, and it’s confirmed also by a Map written by Tolkien himself.
Lake Como and Lothlórien
Lake Como, with its serene waters and surrounding lush greenery, could have inspired the otherworldly beauty of Lothlórien, the elven realm described as a place of timeless tranquility. The peaceful, almost ethereal quality of Lake Como’s landscape, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, aligns with Tolkien’s vision of a land untouched by time, where nature and magic coexist harmoniously
Italy’s enduring influence on Tolkien
Though Tolkien is more closely associated with British landscapes, Italy’s natural and architectural beauty undeniably shaped aspects of The Lord of the Rings. From the fiery peak of Stromboli as Mount Doom to the ancient grandeur of Ravenna reflected in Gondor, Tolkien drew inspiration from Italy’s diverse and evocative settings. These landscapes, combined with his deep understanding of history and mythology, helped him craft the timeless world of Middle-earth.