In the quaint town of Santo Domingo de Silos in northern Spain, the long-abandoned Sad Hill cemetery has been revived, attracting fans of the iconic film *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*. Originally constructed as a film set for Sergio Leone’s 1966 classic, the cemetery’s restoration has rekindled interest, thanks to dedicated volunteers and supporters, including Clint Eastwood and Metallica’s James Hetfield.
A new 21-mile circular hiking trail, Ruta el Bueno, el Feo y el Malo, now links Sad Hill to other significant filming locations. This trail offers a picturesque journey through rugged terrain, connecting the cemetery with the Betterville prison camp, the monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza, and Arlanza valley, each featured in the film. The trail, marked by waymarkers featuring Eastwood’s silhouette, also includes rebuilt film sets and hosts a re-enactment of the movie’s battle scene during its opening weekend.
Santo Domingo’s transformation into a film tourism hub is a rare success story for a region facing widespread depopulation and economic challenges. While Spain’s interior struggles with investment and population decline, the restoration of Sad Hill and the film-themed hiking trail have provided a welcome boost. The municipality has warmly embraced this influx of film enthusiasts, contributing to the local economy and preserving cultural heritage.
For many visitors, the pilgrimage to Sad Hill mirrors the spiritual journey of Camino de Santiago pilgrims. The site, free to enter, has become a destination for dedicated fans who find meaning and connection in its cinematic history. The journey to Sad Hill has become a personal quest for many, including a Canadian who scattered his father’s ashes there as a final wish.
Plans are already underway for the 60th anniversary celebrations of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” in 2026. The film’s renewed popularity, highlighted by recent reissues and a documentary featuring insights from filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino, continues to draw visitors. In Santo Domingo, the intertwining of historical and cinematic pilgrimage provides a unique cultural experience, bridging the past with present-day passions.
