Netflix’s fantasy-adventure series Shadow and Bone (2021–2023) brought the Grishaverse to life by extensively filming in Hungary. From Budapest’s historic architecture to remote countryside estates, Hungary’s diverse locations and top-tier studios provided the perfect backdrop for the series’ fictional world.
Budapest: The Heart of Ravka and Ketterdam
Budapest served as a versatile filming location, doubling for multiple cities within the Grishaverse. The historic Buda Castle district and other “Old Town” areas provided the cobbled streets and period ambiance for Ketterdam’s bustling markets and canals. The Royal Palace on Castle Hill stood in for the Grand Palace of Ravka, showcasing its grandeur on screen.
Festetics Palace: The Little Palace
Located in Keszthely, the Baroque-style Festetics Palace portrayed the Little Palace, home to the magical Grisha. Its ornate halls and manicured grounds brought Leigh Bardugo’s fictional palace to life, with actors strolling through its gilded rooms and marble staircases—all real, not CGI.
Szentendre and Beyond: Expanding the Grishaverse
The quaint riverside town of Szentendre, with its colorful Baroque houses and narrow streets, depicted Ryevost, a rural town in the series. The production transformed Szentendre’s main square with market stalls and period props. Additionally, the Szentendre Open-Air Museum served as the war-torn village of Chernast, showcasing Hungary’s adaptability in portraying diverse settings.
Wenckheim Mansion: A Hidden Gem
In Season 2, the crew filmed at the Wenckheim Mansion in Békéscsaba, an astonishing Neo-Baroque manor largely unknown even to many Hungarians. This location added depth to the series’ visual storytelling, emphasizing Hungary’s wealth of filming locations.
Origo Studios: Crafting the Grishaverse
All complex interior sets—from the Shadow Fold’s swathe of darkness to the hallways of the Little Palace—were built at Origo Studios in Budapest. The studio’s soundstages allowed the production to construct massive sets such as the fold-resistant skiff and a replica of a palace throne room, complete with intricate carvings and chandeliers.
Conclusion
Hungary’s blend of atmospheric sites and top-notch facilities made it an ideal location for Shadow and Bone. The country’s diverse landscapes and historic architecture allowed the series to create a vast and varied world, all within its borders. The producers’ decision to return to Hungary for Season 2 underscores the nation’s growing reputation as a hub for international film and television productions.
