You know a period drama is going to be kick-ass when Sean Bean stars in it. And Hulu’s Shardlake is no different. Also starring Arthur Hughes, Anthony Boyle, Babou Ceesay, Paul Kaye, and Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, the show is set in the Tudor era and follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake who is sent to investigate the death of a commissioner in the fictional town of Scarnsea. Apart from its cast and storyline, the show is also being appreciated for the enchanting beauty of Scarnsea, making one wonder where was it filmed. If you are also wondering the same, here are the filming locations of Shardlake.
Romania
Shardlake was filmed across multiple countries in Europe, particularly in Romania. The scenes involving the monastery were shot at the Corvin Castle, situated in the city of Hunedoara at Strada Curtea Corvinilor 1-3. Also known as Hunyadi Castle, the building dates back to 1446. It is one of the largest castles in the whole of Europe.
The construction of the castle was initiated by Voivode John Hunyadi, replacing an earlier structure. After Hunyadi’s death in 1456, the construction of the building moved slowly until the 17th century, when new features were added for both aesthetics and defense. Built on a rocky site, it showcases Gothic-Renaissance architecture with towering structures, diverse roofs, intricate carvings, and innovative fortification. The castle attracts a huge number of tourists every year, with 276,000 people visiting the place in 2021.
Austria
The filming of Shardlake also took place in Austria, especially in the state of Lower Austria. Apart from the Corvin Castle, the Burg Kreuzenstein Castle also doubled as the monastery in the series. Located near Leobendorf, the castle traces its origins to the 12th century. It was initially constructed by the Counts of Formbach and later passed to the Counts of Wasserburg through marriage. By 1278, it fell into the possession of the Habsburgs.
The castle’s unique aspect lies in its construction from medieval sections sourced across Europe, which makes it both neo- and authentically medieval. The building faced extensive damage and theft of manuscripts during the Second World War. Today, it serves as a popular tourist spot and museum.
The current owner of the place is Johan-Christian Count Wilczek who holds the the title to the castle. Burg Kreuzenstein Castle has served as a filming location for other shows and films as well, including The Pillars of the Earth, Season of the Witch, Baron Blood, The Fifth Musketeer, and The Quest.
Hungary
Another European country that hosted the filming of the series is Hungary. The country’s diverse landscapes, including medieval towns, grand castles, and scenic countryside, make it an ideal setting for period dramas like Shardlake. Its well-preserved historical architecture offers authenticity, while its central European location provides easy access for filming crews.
Additionally, Hungary’s lower production costs compared to Western Europe attract filmmakers seeking to recreate historical settings on a budget. Hence, Hungary has served as a filming location for many historical and fantasy shows and films including The Witcher, All the Light We Cannot See, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Escape from Germany, and Hercules.
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