10 magnificent places made famous by James Bond
Next week, the world's most famous secret agent will land in theaters once again: “007 Contra Specter” will debut in the UK on October 26th and will arrive in Brazil on November 5th.
The franchise's 24th film will feature scenes shot in the Austrian Alps, Rome (Italy), London (England), the capital of Mexico and Morocco. This global trip has become one of the biggest marks of James Bond films - so much so that many places have become famous after appearing on screen.
Here are 10 locations that James Bond movies have helped become popular:
1. Khao Phing Kan - Thailand
Since appearing in “007 Against Man with the Golden Gun” (1974), Khao Phing Kan, which is north of Thailand's overpopulated Phuket, has been called “the island of James Bond”. The place is in Ao Phang-Nga National Park.
2. Stoke Park - England
The luxurious Stoke Park Hotel is located in Buckinghamshire County, England, and appeared on the adventure “007 Against Goldfinger” (1964). The five-star hotel welcomes guests from around the world who are after a secret-agent meal at one of the on-site restaurants, as well as the chance to participate in golf and tennis tournaments.
3. Basilica Cistern - Turkey
Located near the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, the Basilica Cistern is a millennial building from the year 532! Nowadays it is almost completely empty of water and since it appeared in “Moscow Against 007” (1963) has become a major tourist spot of the Turkish city.
4. Piz Gloria - Switzerland
The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria is at the top of Switzerland's Schiltorn peak and is accessible only by cable car. He received this name after appearing in the novel (and consequently in the movie) "007 In His Majesty's Secret Service" (1969).
5. Fontainebleau Miami Beach - USA
One of Miami's most luxurious hotels appeared in “007 Contra Goldfinger” (1964) ten years after its inauguration. It was enough to make him one of the city's icons and appear in countless other film productions.
6. Sölden - Austria
In James Bond's upcoming adventure, “007 Contra Specter, ” one of the biggest action scenes in the entire franchise will have the Sölden ski resort in Austria as a backdrop. Does anyone have any doubts that the movie will increase the popularity of the tourist spot?
7. Himeji Castle - Japan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle in Japan has appeared in several local film productions. Leading filmmaker in the country's history, Akira Kurosawa, showed the spot in two of his films. But it was in “With 007 You Only Live Twice” (1967) that the place gained worldwide fame, being one of the largest tourist destinations in Hyogo Prefecture.
8. Lake Palace - India
Located in the largest Indian state, Rajasthan, the Lake Palace is also known as Jag Niwas and appeared in the James Bond saga in the movie “007 Contra Octopussy” (1983). It was built in the 18th century by the royals of Rajasthan and was used as a winter residence. Now the place has become a luxury hotel, usually accessed by speedboats.
9. Monte Carlo Casino - Monaco
That James Bond loves gambling is nothing new: in the first book in which the secret agent appears, "Casino Royale", the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco plays a key role. However, at the cinema, the resort's first appearance was only in “Never Again” (1983) - an unofficial 007 franchise movie.
10. Green Grotto Cave - Jamaica
“With 007 Live and Let Die” (1973) placed the Green Grotto Cave on Jamaica's northern coast on that country's tourism route. The greenish coloration that names the place comes from the algae that cling to the cave walls. An underground lake with crystal clear water is one of the biggest attractions of the place.
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Have you ever visited any of these places? Tell us your experience and your impressions. You can also tell which of these sights you most want to know.
