The Serpent Queen is a period drama series created by Justin Haythe, inspired by Leonie Frieda’s 2004 non-fiction book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France. The show centers around Catherine de’ Medici, an Italian noblewoman who becomes the Queen of France. Despite facing numerous challenges—such as her husband’s love for another woman and her difficulty in conceiving children—Catherine skillfully navigates her marriage and reigns over France for three decades. The series stands out with its 16th-century setting, grand palaces, and elaborate costumes, making viewers curious about the filming locations used to bring this historical tale to life.
Where was “The Serpent Queen” Filmed?
The Serpent Queen was filmed across various stunning locations in France and Italy. These locations were carefully chosen to authentically depict the grandeur and atmosphere of 16th-century Europe. The principal filming locations include Marseille, Amboise, Chambord, Chenonceaux, and Villandry in France, as well as Castel Gandolfo in Italy.
Marseille, France
One of the key locations for filming The Serpent Queen is Marseille, France’s second-largest city. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Lion, near the mouth of the Rhône River, Marseille is known for its unique culture, vibrant history, and maritime heritage. The production team used this city’s rich cultural backdrop to film several important scenes, taking advantage of its distinct architecture and coastal scenery to add authenticity to the series.
Amboise, France
Another significant filming site is Amboise, a commune in central France, located in the Indre-et-Loire department. Amboise is famous for the Clos Lucé manor house, where the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci once lived. The historical charm of Amboise, with its medieval streets and iconic landmarks, provided a fitting backdrop for various scenes in the series. The town’s blend of history and natural beauty made it an ideal location to represent the era in which Catherine de’ Medici lived.
Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Villandry, France
To accurately portray the grand châteaus common in the 16th century, the production team filmed in several real historical châteaus across France. Château de Chambord, located in the commune of Chambord, served as one of the primary filming locations. This château is renowned for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and vast estate.
Another pivotal location was Château de Chenonceau, located in the commune of Chenonceaux. Known as the “Château of the Ladies,” it perfectly captured the elegance and sophistication of the period. Additionally, Château de Villandry, situated at 3 Rue Principale in Villandry, was used as another prominent production site. Villandry is celebrated for its magnificent gardens, which provided an exquisite setting for the series’ outdoor scenes.
Castel Gandolfo, Italy
For the scenes set in Italy, the production team traveled to Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque town in the Lazio region of Italy. They filmed at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, located on Piazza della Libertà. This historic palace, traditionally the summer residence of the Pope, offered a luxurious and historically significant location for filming. Liv Hill, who plays the young Catherine de’ Medici, shared that filming in such authentic and opulent settings was a highlight of the production. The Papal Palace’s grandeur added an extra layer of authenticity to the scenes set in Italy, making them stand out in the series.
Filming During COVID-19
The filming of The Serpent Queen’s first season began in April 2021 and concluded in September 2021. The production took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which surprisingly worked in the filmmakers’ favor. Due to the pandemic, tourist sites were unusually quiet, allowing the production team access to locations that would typically be overcrowded with visitors. Showrunner Erwin Stoff mentioned in a September 2022 interview that this fortunate timing enabled the crew to film in actual rooms, hallways, and gardens where Catherine de’ Medici herself once lived. This not only enriched the visual authenticity of the series but also provided the cast and crew with a unique and immersive filming experience.
The Serpent Queen was filmed across stunning locations in France and Italy, chosen for their historical significance and beauty. From the bustling streets of Marseille to the majestic châteaus and the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo, these sites brought the 16th-century world of Catherine de’ Medici to life. Filming during the pandemic allowed the crew unique access to these iconic places, enhancing the authenticity and visual appeal of the series. The combination of these remarkable locations and compelling storytelling offers viewers an engaging and visually rich portrayal of one of history’s most intriguing queens.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Serpent Queen
Q: Where was The Serpent Queen filmed?
A: The Serpent Queen was filmed in France and Italy. In France, key locations included the cities of Marseille, Amboise, and several historic châteaus like Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Villandry. In Italy, the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo was used for some scenes.
Q: When was The Serpent Queen filmed?
A: Filming for The Serpent Queen began in April 2021 and wrapped up in September 2021. The production took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed the crew to film in normally crowded locations without the usual tourist presence.
Q: What is the release date of The Serpent Queen?
A: The Serpent Queen was released on September 11, 2022, on Starz. The show quickly gained attention for its compelling portrayal of Catherine de’ Medici’s life and the stunning historical locations used in the series.
Q: What inspired the filming locations for The Serpent Queen?
A: The filming locations were inspired by the actual places where Catherine de’ Medici lived and ruled. The production team chose authentic historical sites in France and Italy to give the series a genuine feel, making use of châteaus, palaces, and towns that reflect the grandeur of the 16th century.
Q: Why were the filming locations significant in The Serpent Queen?
A: The filming locations were significant because they allowed the series to capture the true essence of Catherine de’ Medici’s world. Filming in authentic historical sites added a layer of realism and depth to the show, making the portrayal of Catherine’s life more immersive and visually striking for the audience.
