Netflix’s ‘The Empress’ Filming Locations, Explained

by

As a history enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over dusty old books and scrolling through endless online articles, I can confidently say that “The Empress” is a must-watch for anyone interested in European royalty and the intricate tapestry of their lives. Having lived through several periods of historical turmoil myself (okay, maybe not quite as dramatic as the events portrayed in the series), I find it fascinating to witness the complex relationships between these powerful figures, particularly the love story between Franz and Sisi that forms the heart of “The Empress.

Franz and Sisi are famously remembered as the ideal royal pair that the Austrian monarchy ever experienced. Their union as emperor and empress of Austria is undeniably significant, making their tale one worth sharing. It’s no surprise then that their story has sparked countless films and series throughout history. The most well-known film adaptation of their lives was the 1950s trilogy titled Sissi, starring Romy Schneider.

Starting from late 2022, a captivating newcomer has joined the ranks – “The Empress,” a historical drama series produced by Netflix. This enthralling show delves into the tale of how two monarchs crossed paths, chronicling the early stages of their complex relationship, and tracing the development of their love and rule over the years. In Austria, Franz and Sisi held power, but where did Netflix film “The Empress”?

Where Is Netflix’s ‘The Empress’ Set?

The engrossing historical drama series by Netflix titled “The Empress” is effectively captivating audiences with its intricate love story between the renowned Austrian monarchs, Franz Joseph and Sisi, and the escalating political turmoil within the Habsburg Empire. However, what truly leaves viewers astonished is the breathtaking settings that are transforming this series into a time-traveling masterwork, immersing us in the 19th century.

In 1853, the story unfolds as Franz and Sisi unexpectedly fall in love during their encounter at Bad Ischl. Initially planned to marry Franz with Sisi’s sister Helene, his heart was captivated by the free-spirited 16-year-old instead. After their marriage, Sisi relocated to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, which became her primary residence. To Sisi, this grand palace felt like a prison, but for viewers, it offers a breathtaking sight and is one of those film locations that everyone dreams of visiting. Interestingly, although the plot takes place in Vienna, the actual filming locations can be found outside Austria.

The Filming Locations of ‘The Empress’

Despite The Empress being based in Vienna, it wasn’t actually filmed in Austria. This might seem unfortunate, but the series’ locations are anything but dull or unimpressive. In fact, they are some of the most breathtaking filming spots, playing a crucial role in creating an authentic atmosphere that reflects the era of Franz and Sisi.

The primary filming locations for Season 1 of “The Empress” were predominantly found in Bavaria, Germany. A variety of charming towns served as backdrops, lending their unique charm to the series. Notable sites include the Rock Garden in Sanspareil, the Friesenhausen Palace in Aidhausen, the Cathedral Square in Bamberg, the St. George Minster in Dinkelsbühl, a historic park in Bayreuth, the Farber-Castel Palace in Stein, and the Fantaisie Palace in Eckersdorf. These locations make watching “The Empress” an awe-inspiring experience.

In reference to Sisi’s childhood home, Possenhofen Castle, and her future residence, Schönbrunn Palace, these stunning castles were utilized as filming locations. Instead of Eyrichshof Castle, scenes depicting the former were filmed at a different location. The portrayal of Schönbrunn Palace was accomplished by shooting at Weissenstein Palace in Pommersfelden, Germany.

In its second season, the television show The Empress continued some filming in Germany but broadened its locations slightly. Besides a handful of scenes filmed in Italy, the primary shooting spots for The Empress Season 2 were the stunning city of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Familiar sites like Hradcany Square, Loretánská Street, Malá Strana (one of the city’s districts), the royal route from Nerudova Street to the City Hall stairs through Ke Hradu Street, and another district called Hradčany, home to Prague Castle, were all featured in this engaging historical Netflix series.

Will There Be a Third Season of ‘The Empress’?

The desire to see Devrim Lingau and Philip Froissant return to the screen and reprise their roles as Sisi and Franz is certainly understandable, as the historical drama offers great insights into the period and circumstances around the marriage between the two monarchs. On this note, The Empress shares some similarities with the Netflix period drama The Crown, making both of them worth a watch. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an update yet about whether The Empress Season 3 will happen, even though it’s pretty clear that fans of the show are desperately waiting, as can be seen in the TikTok video below. Rest assured, though, there is still hope.

Hasn’t it felt like we’ve been here before? When The Empress initially debuted in September 2022, Netflix and the showmakers chose to keep us guessing about whether Franz and Sisi’s tale would continue. It seemed as though everyone had an unlimited supply of patience. Months after the first season hit Netflix screens, it was only confirmed that a second season was on the way – despite its massive success and overwhelmingly positive reception. Given that the latest season isn’t too long gone, the anticipation for a potential third season is understandable. For now, there’s no harm in revisiting your favorite historical drama series. Stream The Empress on Netflix.

Read More

2024-12-09 03:34