Hungary was the filming location for Shadow & Bone, the popular TV series based on the fantasy novel.
The Netflix series Shadow and Bone is based on Leigh Bardugo's novels, combining elements from her Grishaverse trilogy and Six of Crows duology. The filming entirely occurred in Budapest, Hungary. The city's stunning baroque architecture mirrored the book's descriptions, making it a fitting choice for bringing the fantastical universe to life. Luckily, the filming locations in Budapest are open to the public, allowing fans to personally experience the sets.
Festetics’ Palace, Keszthely
The Festetics’ Palace, situated in the town of Keszthely southwest of Budapest, was another significant filming location for Shadow and Bone. Built in 1745 for Kristóf Festetics, this palace served as the primary setting for the majority of the Little Palace scenes.
Notably, the pivotal moment when Alina and General Kirigan meet in the palace library during a ball was filmed here. The palace's exterior, particularly its courtyard, was also utilized for scenes like Alina and Kirigan's horseback ride.
The Royal Palace of Budapest
During the first season of Shadow and Bone, the historic Royal Palace of Budapest played a central role as a filming location. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the backdrop for the Grand Palace and the Little Palace in the kingdom of Ravka.
Throughout the series, viewers witness characters like Alina, General Kirigan, and Genya moving through the palace's corridors, which were originally constructed in 1265. The Royal Archives of Ravka scenes were also filmed in the Royal Palace, also known as Buda Palace.
Palace of Justice
The Palace of Justice, once known as the Museum of Ethnography, served as the Grand Palace of Os Alta in the series. Though the museum has relocated since the filming of the first season, its exquisite Hungarian folk artifacts and intricate architecture made it an ideal choice for the throne room scenes.
In Episode 3, Alina's introduction to the King took place in this hall, surrounded by marble stairs and gold carvings.
Amadé Bajzáth-Pappenheim Castle, Iszkaszentgyörgy
The Amadé Bajzáth-Pappenheim Castle, dating back to the early 1700s, was used to portray Alina and Mal's childhood memories and their time in the orphanage. Several exterior scenes in season 1 were shot in this castle, including moments when the two young protagonists hide to escape the Grisha's evaluation.
Szentendre
Szentendre, with its narrow alleyways and cobblestone lanes, provided the perfect setting for Alina's escape into West Ravka. The scenes portrayed the unique charm of pastel-walled houses with worn-off paint, creating a contrasting yet picturesque and vibrant neighborhood.
Additionally, the Hungarian Open Air Museum in Szentendre served as the filming location for the village and windmill ruins in Episode 4, where Mal and a group of First Army troops journeyed to an outpost near the Fjerdan border.
Budapest’s Old Town
Budapest's old quarter served as the location for scenes depicting the western part of Ravka. Characters like Inej, Jasper, and Kaz can be seen walking through the dark, cobbled streets of the city. The picturesque facades of Budapest's "Pearl of the Danube" provided the perfect backdrop for the captivating plot of Shadow and Bone.
Gödöllő Castle
Episode 5 of season 1 featured the grand ball held in Alina's honor, which was filmed in the grand reception hall of Gödöllő Castle. This stunning 18th-century baroque mansion, located near Budapest, was once a favored residence of Empress Sissi in the 19th century.
Origo Studios
Origo Studios, previously used for the medieval set of The Witcher, transformed into Ketterdam, the port town where the Six of Crows subplot commenced in Shadow and Bone. This location effectively captured the updated version of the earlier show's set. Additionally, the studios were utilized to simulate the stormy sea voyage and icy landscapes of Fjerda during Nina and Matthias' journey.
Hungary's diverse and captivating locations, from historic towns like Szentendre to modern studios like Origo Studios, contributed to bringing the rich and fantastical world of Shadow and Bone to life on the screen.
FAQs
A. The filming locations for Shadow and Bone were primarily in Budapest, Hungary, including iconic sites like the Royal Palace and Festetics’ Palace.
A. The Palace of Justice, previously known as the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest, was used as the Grand Palace in the series.
A. Yes, fortunately, many of the filming locations in Budapest, including the Royal Palace, are accessible to the public, allowing fans to visit and explore the sets in person.
