Where was Dr. Zhivago filmed?

Doctor Zhivago is an epic historical romance that tells the story of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), whom we first meet as an eight-year-old boy (Tarek Sharif) mourning the loss of his mother in Central Asia. He is adopted by a family close to his mother, the Gromykos, an upper-class family residing in Moscow with a country estate near the Ural Mountains. The Gromykos have a daughter named Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), who happens to be the same age as Yuri. As the story progresses, their lives become intricately intertwined.

The film is renowned for its meticulously crafted sets and breathtaking locations. An entire Moscow set was built from scratch outside Madrid, showcasing the grandeur of the film's production. This set served as the backdrop for the scenes depicting Yuri's life in Moscow, from his adoption by the Gromykos to his later life as a doctor and poet. The interiors were shot at CEA Studios, previously used for numerous Spanish films, including The Violet Seller by Luis César Amadori and The Lady of Sorrows by Jean Grémillon.

Unfortunately, CEA Studios closed in 1966, and fans could not visit the location where these iconic scenes were filmed. However, Madrid, where the outdoor Moscow set was constructed, offers plenty of opportunities for visitors. To reach Madrid, you can fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain's most significant and busiest airport, and then take public transportation or a taxi into the city center. Once there, you can explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and perhaps get a sense of what it was like when Doctor Zhivago was filmed there over half a century ago.

While traveling, Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) encounters a situation where his train is compelled to halt due to civil war disturbances. Yuri decides to venture away from his train and unexpectedly comes across a military train that belongs to a communist general. The general turns out to be Pasha (Tom Courtenay), the husband of Lara. However, Pasha has taken on a new identity as People's Commander Strelnikov and has become a renegade, using his army to fight against the remaining White Russians.

This gripping encounter was filmed at the Varykino train station, which was set up at Matamala de Almazán. This location, chosen for its picturesque views and ambiance, perfectly encapsulates the harsh realities of the Russian Civil War depicted in the film. Unfortunately, no railways or train stations are left in Matamala de Almazán. However, the village still offers outstanding views and a sense of history that might appeal to film fans.

To visit Matamala de Almazán, you can fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take a car or bus to the village. Despite the absence of the railway and train station, wandering through the town might give you a glimpse into the past and allow you to imagine the filming of this iconic scene from Doctor Zhivago.

One of the most dramatic moments occurs when Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) is kidnapped by a Red Partisan unit and forced to serve as their medical officer. After a year and a half of service, in the harsh depths of winter, Yuri chooses to desert the Red Guard Unit, wandering away in an act of defiance and desperation.

The filming of these intense scenes, particularly the landscape shots and Yuri's daring escape, took place across Finland. This choice of location captures the stark beauty of the Finnish landscape, which serves as a backdrop to the bleakness and hardship of Yuri's circumstances.

The Helsinki region was a significant part of the filming locations, including the capital city and its metropolitan area. The region combines city life with the tranquility of nature, offering trails, unique architecture, good food, and exciting museums. By visiting several sites within the Helsinki region, fans of Doctor Zhivago can experience the various settings that played a part in this cinematic masterpiece.

To visit these locations, you can fly into Helsinki Airport, the leading international gateway to Finland. From there, you can travel around the metropolis and nearby towns either by car or public transportation, immersing yourself in the landscapes and cityscapes that shaped some of the most iconic scenes in Doctor Zhivago.

One of the most poignant scenes occurs towards the film's end when Lara (Julie Christie) and Yuri (Omar Sharif) face the harsh realities of survival amidst political upheaval. They accept an offer from Komarovsky (Rod Steiger) for protection and transportation to Manchuria, leaving their beloved Varykino behind. However, Yuri remains back under the pretense of bringing his sledge to the train station. Lara and Komarovsky anxiously await Yuri's arrival at the Yuriatin train station, but to their dismay, he never shows up. As the train departs, a heart-wrenching revelation unfolds: Lara discloses her pregnancy with Yuri's child; this poignant moment serves as a reminder of the tragic essence that permeates their love story.

This moving scene was filmed against the backdrop of Finland's stunning landscapes, specifically on a track during the 1940 Russian invasion near Joensuu, located in eastern Finland, about 100 miles from the Russian border. Additional mountain views for these train scenes were captured in the Canadian Rockies, adding more visual depth to the sequence.

While it is hard to find the exact train station, fans can visit Joensuu, a lively university city that is known for its rich natural beauty and serves as an excellent base for exploring the tourist attractions of Eastern Finland. To visit Joensuu and perhaps experience the captivating scenery that served as the backdrop for this iconic scene, you can fly into Joensuu Airport. You can conveniently travel to the city by train, bus, or car.

Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), the daughter of the Gromykos, part ways with Yevgraf (Alec Guinness) on a beautiful day. As Tonya departs, Yevgraf's attention is drawn to the balalaika nestled in her arms, a traditional Russian-stringed instrument. Curiosity piqued, he inquires about her musical prowess, and her companion affirms her proficiency. This confirmation is a compelling clue, fueling Yevgraf's growing belief that he may have finally discovered his long-lost niece.

The Aldeadávila Dam, a magnificent concrete arch-gravity dam, serves as the picturesque backdrop to this scene. It is located on the Douro River, approximately 55 miles west of Salamanca, nestled on the border between Spain and Portugal. This massive hydroelectric dam bookends the narrative, symbolizing the passage of time and the enduring nature of the characters' struggles and triumphs.

To get to Aldeadávila Dam, you can fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain's most significant and busiest airport. From there, you can travel by car or bus to Salamanca and then continue onto Aldeadávila de la Ribera. Exploring the area around the Aldeadávila Dam offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand one of the iconic locations from Doctor Zhivago.