Where was The Empress season 1 and 2 filmed? All filming locations explored and more

The Empress season 2 is a German historical drama series that premiered on Netflix on November 22, 2024. The show is created by Katharina Eyssen and is based on the life of the 19th-century empress, Elisabeth of Austria. Katrin Gebbe and Florian Cossen direct the series from a screenplay written by Eyssen, Bernd Lange, and Janna Maria Nandzik.

The Empress season 2 is produced by Lars Gmehling and executive-produced by Jochen Laube, Fabian Maubach, and Robert Essyen.

The show's official logline, as per Netflix, reads:

"When rebellious Elisabeth falls for Emperor Franz and becomes his unlikely bride, she enters a world of tension and intrigue at the Viennese court."

The Empress season 1 was filmed in Germany, while season 2 was filmed primarily in Prague in the Czech Republic, the German state of Bavaria, and in various locations across Italy.

The filming locations of The Empress season 1 and 2 explored

An image of Elisabeth and Archduchess Sophie from The Empress season 2 (Image via Instagram/@melika_foroutan_)

The Empress season 2 is set in Vienna but was mostly filmed in the capital city of Prague in the Czech Republic.

Filming for the second season began in September 2023 in Prague. The district of Malá Strana located in the city center was among the shooting locations for the historical drama series. Some scenes were filmed along the Royal Route from Nerudova Street to the Radnické Schody steps (City Hall Stairs) and Ke Hradu Street.

The district of Hradčany, which houses the historic Prague Castle, was another shooting location in Prague. The Hradcany Square and nearby Loretánská Street are also featured in the series.

Additionally, The Empress season 2 was filmed briefly in Bavaria in Germany and parts of Italy.

Like the second season, The Empress season 1 was also shot at historic European locations. The first season was filmed entirely in Germany, in Bavarian towns like Bamberg, Dinkelsbühl, Bayreuth, Stein, Aidhausen, and Eckersdorf. Furthermore, the scenic beauty of the Rock Garden Sansparail, Paradise Valley, and Staffelberg were also captured for the Netflix series.

Other filming locations include the Friesenhausen Palace in Aidhausen, Faber-Castell Palace in Stein, the Cathedral Square in Bamberg, and the St. George Minster in Dinkelsbühl. The series was also filmed at Bayreuth's historic park complex, the Hermitage, along with the New Palace and Fantaisie Palace.

Franz and Elisabeth's primary residence, the Schönbrunn Palace, was filmed at the 18th-century Weissenstein Palace in Pommersfelden, Germany. Moreover, exterior shots of the Eyrichshof Castle were used to depict Elisabeth's childhood home, the Possenhofen Castle.

Also Read: Is Netflix's The Empress based on a true story? Explained

Plot summary

The Empress season 2 follows Emperor Franz as he navigates Lombardy-Venetia's quest for independence from his Austrian empire. He tries to thwart the Kingdom of Piedmont's efforts to annex the Italian-speaking region to the newly-formed country of Italy.

During this time, his marriage with Elisabeth suffers significantly due to their daughter Sophie's death from typhoid. Moreover, the couple clashes over Elisabeth's genuine concern for the people of Lombardy-Venetia, which Franz finds impractical.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth struggles to produce a male heir to the throne of the Austrian empire. Following Sophie's (Fienchen) death, she goes into depression and overcomes it only after giving birth to her second daughter, Gisele. By the end of the second season, she delivers the couple's first son, Rudolf.

Elsewhere, Maximilian makes amends with his older brother, Franz, after betraying him in season 1. He is given the title of Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia and seeks to improve the living conditions of its citizens.

However, his liberal views are opposed by the military leader, General Gyulai. As tensions rise, Franz is left with no choice but to declare war on the Kingdom of Piedmont, which is supported by Napoleon III.

The season ends with Franz headed to the battlefield to lead his troops in the bloody war.