Where was Knightfall filmed? From Prague castles to Croatian shores – discover the real filming locations behind the Knights Templar epic.
So you’ve just finished binge-watching Knightfall and now you’re sitting there, chainmail in your Amazon cart, wondering “Where in the name of Jacques de Molay did they film that?” Was Mark Hamill actually barking orders at Tom Cullen in a real medieval castle? Did the production team literally set fire to Paris (again)?
Grab your sword and your sense of humor, fellow history nerd. We’re about to embark on a pilgrimage across Eastern Europe to uncover the actual places where Landry brooded, King Philip plotted, and the Holy Grail… well, it wasn’t real anyway (or was it?).
Quick Plot Refresher: Knightfall follows Landry du Lauzon (Tom Cullen), a haunted Templar knight searching for the Holy Grail while navigating the political snake pit of 14th-century France.
King Philip IV (Ed Stoppard) wants the Templars’ gold, Queen Joan (Olivia Ross) wants Landry, and Season 2 brings Mark Hamill as Master Talus – basically a medieval drill sergeant who makes Full Metal Jacket look like a tea party.
The show blends real history (the Friday the 13th arrests!) with glorious fiction (the Grail quest, space wizards… wait, wrong franchise).
Table of Contents
⚔️ Epic Knightfall Filming Locations
From burning Parisian backlots to Croatian coastal battles, here’s exactly where the Templar magic and mayhem happened.
🇨🇿 Czechia – Where Medieval Paris Got a Makeover
Czechia has more stunning medieval castles than Game of Thrones had budget meetings. Production headquarters set up shop in Prague, using the country’s architectural treasures to double for 14th-century France, Bohemia, and Navarre.
Plus, it’s way cheaper than rebuilding Notre-Dame.
🏰 Kost Castle – The Gothic Fortress of Intimidation
Perched dramatically on sandstone cliffs above the Jizera River, Kost Castle (literally “Bone Castle” – metal name, right?) looks exactly like the kind of place where Templars would have intense conversations about honor while staring moodily into fireplaces.
Built in the 1340s (perfect timing for the show’s 1300s setting), this Gothic bad boy features massive defensive walls, a preserved armory, and a torture chamber that’ll make you grateful for modern dentistry.
The production team chose Kost Castle because it hasn’t been “Disney-fied” – no gift shops selling plastic swords, just authentic medieval gloom. The castle’s nickname comes from its brutalist exterior, resembling a pile of bones.
What was filmed here:
- Exterior fortress shots: The imposing Gothic silhouette.
- Prison tower sequences: Where captured knights have crisis-of-faith monologues
- Castle courtyard battles: Intimate sword fights with zero room for error
- Establishing shots of “French” strongholds: One medieval stone wall looks like another.
- Nighttime siege preparations: Torches, tension, and Tom Cullen’s brooding face
Fun fact: Unlike most European castles that got Victorian-era makeovers, Kost Castle remains authentically stark. You half expect Landry to walk around the corner, confused about why everyone’s speaking Czech.
🏰 Točník Castle – Bohemian Rhapsody
Točník Castle sits high on a forested hill, looking down on mere mortals with royal disdain. Fashionably late to the Knightfall party (built in the late 1300s), but luxurious enough for French royalty scenes and fortified enough for Templar paranoia.
The great hall’s acoustics? Perfect for King Philip’s debt-collection speeches. The well? Terrifyingly deep. The production used it for “somewhere in Bohemia” sequences, conveniently ignoring why French knights kept wandering into Eastern Europe.
Local legend says the name means “to turn” (thanks to the twisty access road). The crew probably said that a lot while hauling gear uphill. Bonus: zero elevators, maximum ruins-chic.
What was filmed here:
- Bohemian court scenes: When characters travel east for political intrigue
- Forest approach shots: Knights riding dramatically through autumn foliage
- Royal hunting lodge interiors: Less gloomy than Kost, more “I’m rich, and I know it.”
- Transitional journey sequences: The “we’ve been walking for days” establishing shots
- Ambush scenarios: Because nothing says “surprise attack” like winding mountain paths
🏰 Zvíkov Castle – Navarre, Is That You?
Nicknamed the “King of Castles” (humble brag), Zvíkov Castle is perched dramatically where two rivers meet. Built in the 13th century with a stunning Romanesque chapel and original frescoes – which the production probably admired for five seconds before asking, “Can we fight here?”
The unusual triangular layout and massive residential tower made it look like people actually lived there (luxuriously), perfect for doubling as Navarre. Survived Hussite wars, fires, and questionable renovations.
The crew loved the natural acoustics – no need for studio dubbing in a 700-year-old chapel. The downside? Zero heating. Actors could see their breath during love scenes. Medieval authenticity at its coldest.
What was filmed here:
- Navarre town sequences: Queen Joan’s home turf looks appropriately scenic
- Marketplace gatherings: Villagers doing medieval villager things
- Chapel scenes: Religious contemplation with authentic fresco vibes
- Riverside approach shots: Characters arriving by boat (very dramatic)
- Exterior establishing shots: “This is definitely not Prague, trust us.”
🏰 Švihov Castle – The Distinctive One
Švihov Castle is the overachiever of Czech castles – built in the late 1400s, it features a complete water fortification system. Yes, a MOAT. A real one. With water and everything.
The water reflection = stunning cinematography. The intact interiors = no “watch out for falling rocks” warnings. The late Gothic architecture = actually different from your standard gloomy fortress.
For Knightfall, the production chose it for sequences requiring “a different look” (because after five castles, it all blurs together). The crew allegedly bribed staff with American candy to stay past sunset. Worth it.
What was filmed here:
- Specific fortress sequences: The ones that needed to look different
- Moat-adjacent conversations: Deep discussions near reflective water
- Residential palace interiors: Actually comfortable-looking medieval rooms
- Sunset establishing shots: Because every episode needs one
- “We’re somewhere new” transitions: Geography is flexible in TV land
Trivia: Švihov Castle‘s claim to fame? It appeared in the 1994 film The Three Musketeers (the one with Charlie Sheen – don’t judge).
🏰 Křivoklát & Lipnice Castles – The Supporting Cast
Křivoklát Castle is the character actor of Czech castles – not the lead, but it shows up in everything. Built in the 12th century as a royal hunting lodge with a massive library and a chapel that’ll make your parish church jealous.
Lipnice Castle is the moody younger sibling. Perched on a hill with spooky vibes, founded in the early 1300s. Its most famous resident? Franz Kafka’s friend Max Brod. Not a Templar, but close enough.
Both castles provided B-roll and “we need another castle for this episode” moments. Křivoklát handled court-adjacent scenes. Lipnice handled… well, ruins.
What was filmed here:
- Background fortress shots: The “any castle will do” moments
- Transitional establishing shots: Walking between locations needs scenery
- Ruined section scenes: Lipnice’s authentic decay saved money on set decoration
- Royal hunting lodge interiors: Křivoklát’s preserved rooms
- “We need variety” pickups: Because episode 7 can’t use Kost again
⛪ Doksany Monastery – Holy Ground
The Doksany Monastery, founded in 1144 by Premonstratensian canons (try saying that three times fast), provided Knightfall with authentic religious architecture. A working monastery – still active today – with stunning Baroque interiors slapped on top of Romanesque foundations.
The production used it for a genuine ecclesiastical atmosphere. Unlike film sets with wobbly walls, this place offered 900 years of prayer vibes. The cloisters were perfect for those “Templars walking purposefully in hoods” shots.
Fun fact: The real monks probably found it hilarious watching actors pretend to be religious warriors while eating craft services. They declined to bless the cast – something about “historical accuracy” and Templar-church drama.
What was filmed here:
- Medieval monastery interiors: Authentic cloisters and chapter houses
- Religious ceremony sequences: Where monks do monk things
- Cloister walking shots: Hoods up, purpose strong, robes swishing
- Contemplation scenes: Characters praying or having existential crises
- Chapter meetings: Templars discussing important order business
🏘️ Řepora Open-Air Museum – Medieval Suburbia
The Řepora Open-Air Museum isn’t a real medieval village – it’s a reconstructed medieval village in Prague, which makes it perfect for filming: no modern power lines, no angry residents complaining about movie crews, and a pillory (don’t get ideas).
Built specifically to showcase medieval life using historical records and archaeological findings. Period-appropriate houses, gardens, and zero plumbing, electricity, or comfortable mattresses. It looks like a village that time forgot – if time also forgot basic amenities.
For Knightfall, it provided village settings without the nightmare of filming in an actual inhabited town. The crew could control everything: lighting, access, extras. And because it’s a museum (not a priceless artifact), they could move freely without worrying about damaging history.
The crew loved it. No “watch out, that’s 800 years old” anxiety attacks.
What was filmed here:
- Medieval village outdoor scenes: Peasants doing peasant things
- Market day sequences: Commerce, chaos, and chickens
- Street-level action: Chases through authentic-looking alleys
- Commoner interactions: When Templars talk to regular folk
- Establishing village shots: “This is definitely not a backlot.”
🇭🇷 Croatia – Dubrovnik’s Holy Land Adventure
Dubrovnik already knows how to be a fantasy location (looking at you, Game of Thrones). The Croatian coast provided the perfect stand-in for the Holy Land – sunny, coastal, and significantly less dangerous than filming in actual Syria.
🏨 Hotel Stari Grad – Welcome to Acre
Hotel Stari Grad, a charming boutique hotel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, doubled for the Crusader city of Acre during the massive siege scenes that open the series. Yes, a hotel played a war zone. Method acting at its finest.
Located within Dubrovnik‘s UNESCO-protected walls, the production transformed the area into a 13th-century battlefield – siege towers, flaming projectiles, actors screaming in medieval languages.
Real hotel guests probably had questions: “Is that a trebuchet outside my window?” “Why are men in chainmail having breakfast?” “Should I be concerned about the burning oil?”
Fortunately, the production filmed explosions during business hours. Professionalism.
What was filmed here:
- Siege of Acre opening sequence: The episode that hooks everyone
- City street battles: Close-quarters Crusader combat
- Last stand moments: Templars fighting to the death (dramatically)
- Evacuation scenes: Fleeing through narrow stone streets
- Establishing shots of Acre: “Definitely not Croatia.”
⚓ Dubrovnik West Harbour – Naval Nonsense
Dubrovnik’s West Harbour, a picturesque collection of small docks outside the city walls, provided coastal and naval sequences that required actual water.
The natural setting -limestone cliffs, crystal water, historic fortifications – needed minimal set dressing. Just add period-appropriate boats and angry knights.
Fun fact: Fort Lovrijenac (part of this area) served as the Red Keep in Game of Thrones – specifically where Cersei watched ships burn.
The main challenge? Tourists. Nothing ruins a medieval shot like a guy in flip-flops with a selfie stick. The production filmed at dawn or digitally erased modern intrusions, and joked that they spent more time editing out cruise ships than filming battles.
What was filmed here:
- Coastal approach shots: Ships arriving at dramatic harbors
- Dock conversations: Deals made near lapping waves
- Naval departure sequences: Templars sailing toward destiny
- Port city establishing shots: Mediterranean atmosphere
- Waterfront action: Fighting near (but not in) the sea
🌊 Pile Bay – The Boat Battle Bonanza
Pile Bay (another Game of Thrones location), located just outside Dubrovnik‘s main western gate (the Pile Gate – creative naming, guys), saw the most extensive production construction in Croatia.
The crew built TWO large wooden piers and multiple full-scale ship replicas – actual vessels that could dock in deep water. The construction team spent weeks ensuring the piers could support combat choreography without collapsing – safety first, even in pretend medieval warfare.
Local residents apparently got used to seeing medieval ships in their harbor. That’s Dubrovnik for you. The piers are gone now (temporary structures), but the ship replicas found second lives as tourist attractions. One allegedly became a floating restaurant. Priorities.
What was filmed here:
- Naval land battle sequences: Ships-to-shore combat
- Pier construction shots: Building military infrastructure (riveting)
- Beach assault scenes: Knights charging from landing craft
- Naval encampment shots: Temporary harbors full of tension
- Large-scale battle establishing: “This is a BIG deal” visuals
🎬 Barrandov Studios, Prague – Magic and Fire
Barrandov Studios in Prague served as the production’s main hub – the mothership, the command center, the place where actors went to cry about wearing chainmail in summer. One of Europe’s largest studio complexes, with enough infrastructure to make Hollywood jealous.
The crown jewel? An extensive medieval village backlot built to recreate 14th-century Paris. Streets, shops, a cathedral facade, enough mud to satisfy any peasant.
The 2016 fire (dramatic music): A significant fire destroyed the original set. Actual flames. Actual smoke. Actual panic. Months of work, up in literal smoke. The production channelled their inner Templar resilience and rebuilt with fireproofing. The cast made “too hot for TV” jokes for weeks.
What was filmed here:
- Paris Temple interiors: The Templar headquarters
- Medieval Paris street scenes: Controlled environment, zero Parisians complaining
- Throne room sequences: King Philip’s court (no actual kings were harmed)
- Dungeon scenes: Dark, torches, existential dread
- Cloister interiors: When monasteries needed controlled lighting
- Training yard sequences: Where Mark Hamill yelled at people
- Intimate chamber scenes: Conversations without wind interference
- Nighttime courtyard scenes: Artificial moonlight, all-night shoots
- The rebuilt village: Phoenix rising from the ashes (literally)
🎭 Trivia Vault: Stuff Only Superfans Know
And for those who’ve watched the Knightfall series more times than a Templar says “Deus lo vult,” here’s the behind-the-chainmail dirt they don’t put in the History Channel promos.
- Mark Hamill’s Jedi connection: Hamill openly noted parallels between Templars and Jedi Knights, mentioning that George Lucas drew inspiration from medieval warrior orders. Yes, a Jedi Master played a Templar Master. The Force is strong with this one.
- The fire was REAL: That 2016 blaze wasn’t a plot point – it was an actual disaster that destroyed months of set construction. The crew rebuilt in record time, earning unofficial “Templar of the Year” awards.
- Tom Cullen’s chainmail struggle: The actor reportedly lost 15 pounds during Season 1 from wearing actual metal chainmail in Czech summers. Later seasons used lighter materials because… duh.
- Dubrovnik double duty: Several Game of Thrones crew members worked on Knightfall, leading to jokes about “what if the Lannisters paid their debts to the Templars?”
- The “Grail” was heavy: The prop Holy Grail went through multiple versions – early ones were too light (looked fake), later ones too heavy (actors complained). The final version was gold-painted resin with a weighted base.
- Historical accuracy vs. fun: The show’s historical consultant reportedly gave up pointing out inaccuracies after Episode 3. “It’s entertainment, not a documentary” became the production motto.
- Croatian boat builders: The ship replicas at Pile Bay were constructed by local craftsmen using traditional methods. One builder was quoted as saying, “This is easier than actual medieval shipbuilding – no one will drown if we mess up.”
- Barrandov’s famous alumni: The studio hosted productions of Casino Royale, The Bourne Identity, and Les Misérables. So, Knightfall was in illustrious company.
- The curse of Friday the 13th: The production deliberately avoided filming anything significant on Friday the 13th. Superstitious? Maybe. Smart? Absolutely.
- Olivia Ross’s “affair”: The actress playing Queen Joan reportedly had to film her romantic scenes in freezing Czech castles while wearing period-appropriate (read: insufficient) clothing. Method suffering.
🎟️ Book a Portugal Knights Templar Tour
Portugal is the Templar capital of the world. The order didn’t die here – they just changed their name to the Order of Christ and kept going.
A Portugal Knights Templar tour typically includes the Convent of Christ in Tomar (the single most significant Templar site on Earth), the tomb of Gualdim Pais at Santa Maria do Olival, and the storybook fortress of Almourol Castle on its rocky island.
The Legacy of the Knights Templar: 4-Day Tour in Portugal takes you on a journey through Portugal’s Médio Tejo, exploring historic sites and picturesque villages as you uncover the enduring legacy of the Knights Templar.
Bottom line: You can spend weeks planning logistics or let someone else do the heavy lifting. The Templars valued efficiency. So should you. Deus lo vult.
🗺️ The Ultimate REAL Templar Itinerary
If you’d rather drive through France, Spain, and Portugal yourself and walk where actual knights walked, this Templar itinerary is for you.
Day 1: Paris – The Heart of Betrayal
- 🏰 Marais District – Site of the original Templar headquarters. The fortress is gone (thanks, Napoleon), but standing here connects you to Jacques de Molay’s prison. No ticket required.
- 🌳 Square du Temple – A peaceful garden on Templar ground. Sit on a bench. Contemplate how 60,000 square meters of medieval badassery once stood here. Bring a book. Or a sword. Your call.
- 🛣️ Rue des Templiers – A street literally named for the order. Walk it at sunset. Pretend you’re a 14th-century knight heading home after a long day of banking and crusading.
Day 2: Paris – Where the Fire Started
- 🏰 Île de la Cité – King Philip IV’s palace stood here. This is where the Friday the 13th arrests were planned. Stand on the bridge. Imagine the King rubbing his hands together like a medieval Mr. Burns.
- 🪦 Jacques de Molay memorial plaque (41-43 Quai de l’Horloge) – The last Grand Master was burned here in 1314. Legend says he cursed the King and Pope from the flames. Both died within a year. Coincidence? Probably. Hilarious? Definitely.
- 🍲 Medieval dinner in the Latin Quarter. Touristy. Cheesy. You’ll eat with your hands while someone juggles fire. The Templars would approve of the chaos.
Day 3: Troyes – Where It All Began
- 🚗 Rent a car. Drive from Paris to Troyes – 2 hours
- ⛪ Troyes Cathedral – Site of the Council of Troyes (1129), where the Templars got official Church recognition. Thank a 12th-century bishop.
- 🏛️ Museum of Hugues de Payns near Troyes – Dedicated to the order’s founder. Nine poor knights, a mission to protect pilgrims, and an idea that became a medieval megacorporation.
- 🛣️ Explore Troyes’ medieval streets. The city is shaped like a champagne cork. Drink champagne. The Templars would approve. Probably.
- 🚗 Drive back to Paris – 2 hours
- 🛌🏽 Sleep near the airport.
Day 4 & 5: The Monster of Ponferrada
- ✈️ Fly Paris to Madrid – 2 hours
- 🚗 Pick up a rental car at Madrid airport. Drive from Madrid to Ponferrada – 4 hours.
- 🛌🏽 Arrive in Ponferrada & check in. Sleep well.
- 🏰 Ponferrada Castle – An absolute beast of a Templar castle built to protect pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Learn about the order’s role in the Spanish Reconquista.
- 🍲 Enjoy tapas in Ponferrada. Thank the Templars for protecting the pilgrimage route so you can eat jamón without getting ambushed.
- 🛌🏽 Stay the night in Ponferrada.
Day 6: Miravet – The Long Ride East
- 🚗 Drive from Ponferrada to Miravet – 6 hours
- 🏰 Miravet Castle, Catalonia – Last Templar stronghold to surrender (1308). Cliff. Winding roads. Very “not leaving without a fight” energy. Explore thoroughly.
- 🛌🏽 Stay the night in Miravet – Small town vibes. Quiet. Honest Catalan food. Eat. Sleep. Recharge.
Day 7: The Push to Guadalajara
- 🚗 Drive from Miravet to Guadalajara – 3-4 hours.
- 🏙️ Arrive in Guadalajara – A quiet Castilian city with a medieval past and surprisingly good tapas.
- 🏰 Palacio del Infantado – Renaissance facade, ornate courtyards, zero Templars, but pretty. Find a local bar. Order jamón. Rest those legs.
- 🛌🏽 Stay overnight in Guadalajara – You’ve earned a real dinner and a real bed.
Day 8: Segovia – The 12-Sided Wonder
- 🚗 Drive to Segovia (2-3 hours) – Spot the aqueduct from miles away.
- 🛌🏽 Arrive in Segovia and check in.
- ⛪ Iglesia de la Vera Cruz – Weird 12-sided Templar church. Great photos. Weirder vibes. Stand in the center. Feel slightly dizzy (it’s the geometry).
- 🏰 Explore Segovia – Roman aqueduct (2,000 years old, no mortar, still standing). Alcázar Castle, which inspired Disney’s Cinderella. Cathedral.
- 🛌🏽 Stay overnight in Segovia – Eat cochinillo (roast pig). Use your hands. Food coma.
Day 9: Tomar – The Grand Finale
- 🚗 Drive to Tomar (5-6 hours) – Cross into Portugal.
- 🛌🏽 Arrive in Tomar and check in – Templar heartland.
- ⛪ Convent of Christ, Tomar – The single most significant Templar site in the Western world. UNESCO. Gorgeous. Charola (round church) modelled on Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre.
- ⛪ Church Santa Maria do Olival – The pantheon of Templar Grand Masters. Gualdim Pais is buried here.
- 🍲 Tomar city center. The entire town breathes Templar history. Eat dinner. Raise a glass to Gualdim Pais. Raise another to Jacques de Molay. Sleep well.
Day 8: Almourol – The Storybook Castle
- 🚗 Drive from Tomar to Almourol – 45 minutes.
- 🏰 Almourol Castle – A fortress on a rocky island in the middle of the Tagus River. Accessible only by boat. Atmospheric with fewer crowds.
- 🚗 Drive back to Tomar. Final Templar feast. Raise a glass to Gualdim Pais, Jacques de Molay, and every knight who ever wore the red cross.
❓ FAQ: Questions Every Templar Fan Asks
Can I visit the Knightfall filming locations?
YES! Most locations are open to the public, except Barrandov Studios, which doesn’t do regular tours.
- Book a guided tour of Kost Castle.
- Book a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik – it covers much of the same ground
- Book a stay at Hotel Stari Grad – just don’t show up in chainmail.
Is Knightfall Season 3 happening?
Unfortunately, no. Knightfall was canceled after two seasons. The show ends with Landry killing King Philip. Consider it an “open ending” for your imagination.
Is any of Knightfall historically accurate?
The Siege of Acre? Reasonably. Friday the 13th arrests? Real. Jacques de Molay? Real guy, really burned. But Landry? Fictional. Holy Grail quest? Mythological. Queen Joan? Died years before the show started. Historians call it “true to the spirit”- code for “drama sells.”
Did Mark Hamill really train as a Templar?
He trained as an actor. Sword work, yes. Conditioning, yes. Vows of poverty? No. Secret order? Just the Jedi.
Why film in the Czech Republic and Croatia?
Money, honey. Tax incentives, lower costs, and locations that look like Western Europe for half the price. Same reason Game of Thrones filmed there – location scouts love a bargain.
Why Dubrovnik for the Holy Land?
Dubrovnik looks like Acre, has Mediterranean vibes, and already has Game of Thrones infrastructure. Why build a Holy Land when Croatia did it for you?
Is the Friday the 13th superstition really from the Templars?
Probably not. But the 1307 arrests made the date famous. The show leans into it. Call it “historically inspired superstition.”
What’s the best book about real Templars?
- For history nerds: The Templars by Dan Jones is accessible, accurate, and engaging.
- For myth enthusiasts: The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail (which inspired The Da Vinci Code).
📺 Where Can I Watch Knightfall?
So after all that castle-crawling and trivia-hoarding, you’re probably wondering where to actually stream the show without resorting to a treasure hunt of your own.
- Amazon Prime Video: Stream both seasons of Knightfall with a Prime membership.
- DVD/Blu-ray: Behind-the-scenes features, deleted scenes, and commentary tracks.
- Other platforms: History Channel, Netflix, Apple TV/iTunes, Google Play, YouTube Movies.
Knightfall played fast and loose with history, but the filming locations are 100% real. The castles still stand. You can literally walk where Landry brooded and pretend you’re a disgraced Templar seeking good travel photos.
The show gave us Mark Hamill as a medieval drill sergeant and enough chainmail for a small Crusade. But the real treasure? Eastern Europe’s spectacular medieval architecture is waiting for you to visit.
Deus lo vult. Now book those flights.
Disclaimer: This fan-created article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. All referenced titles, names, and related intellectual property are the property of their respective owners, and no copyright infringement is intended.
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