Watching The Empress season 2? That's not Vienna – it’s actually Prague

Debuting in late 2022, Netflix’s The Empress reinterprets the complex love story of Austrian monarch Franz Joseph and his wife, Elisabeth (Sisi). The series, set in the 19th century, follows their meeting in 1853, portraying their complex relationship and Sisi’s struggles within the rigid confines of the Viennese court.

The drama’s first season primarily utilized locations in Bavaria; the highly anticipated second season was filmed in and around Prague early last year. Apart from a few scenes filmed in Italy, shooting took place at Barrandov Studios and other locations in the capital and beyond. Hradčany Square, Loretánská Street, and Malá Strana, the royal route from Nerudova Street to City Hall stairs, and Ke Hradu Street near Prague Castle all feature prominently.

There was even controversy when the crew altered the appearance of a statue of President Masaryk to fit the series, which led to criticism from Cardinal Duka. In the trailer, viewers can spot scenes at Prague Castle stairs, Kroměříž Castle, and the Flower Garden. Additional filming locations included Kutná Hora, Kačina, Jemniště, and Voděradské Bučiny.

The crown worn by Empress Sisi in the series was crafted by Czech jeweler Tereza Otáhalíková, who detailed the creation process in an Instagram post, stating that it took about four weeks to complete.

The country's robust film incentive program is a key reason international productions like The Empress choose to film there.

The amendment to the Audiovisual Act, which passed the Senate on Wednesday and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, now includes a 25 percent rebate for traditional film projects and up to 35 percent for digital production and animation. The annual budget for these incentives is projected to reach USD 92 million, making Czechia even more attractive to filmmakers globally.

These initiatives benefit big productions and support European co-productions and low-budget films, creating a thriving ecosystem for local and international filmmakers. Helena Bezděk Fraňková, director of the Czech Audiovisual Fund, emphasized the incentives’ importance in fostering international collaboration, particularly in light of recent challenges such as Hollywood strikes.

Prague and its surroundings have long been a magnet for filmmakers, offering centuries-old architecture, skilled crews, and cost-effective production options. In addition to The Empress, recent high-profile projects filmed in Czechia include Netflix’s All Quiet on the Western Front—which won four Academy Awards—Amazon’s Blade Runner 2099, and Apple TV+’s Foundation. The city also served as the backdrop for upcoming films like Nosferatu and the John Wick spin-off Ballerina.

Since the early days of filmmaking, the Czech Republic has stood out for its unique locations, offering centuries of architecture, four distinctive seasons, and top-notch craftsmanship.

As David S. Goyer, showrunner of the second season of Foundation, aptly described: “The locations here are stunning – both in the cities and out in the countryside. Prague has an incredible treasure in its crews – they’re some of the most skilled craftspersons and creative heads of departments I’ve ever worked with.”