Where was Kingdom of Heaven filmed?
2005
City Locations
Andalucia, Seville, Ávila (Spain); Ouarzazate (Morocco)
Location Types
Film Studio, Church/Temple, Museum
Location Styles
Desert, Dilapidated/Neglected, Foreign, Gothic/Victorian, Mediterranean, Moroccan, Spanish
About Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven is an epic historical drama from 2005, directed, produced, and co-written by the incredible Ridley Scott. It stars Orlando Bloom as Balian of Ibelin alongside an ensemble cast including Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, Edward Norton, and Ghassan Massoud.
Just as you'd expect from a Ridley Scott film, the grandeur really shines through. There's a wealth of period detail, breathtaking vistas filmed on location, and a staged battle scene in the finale.
The movie's storyline revolves around Balian, who ventures to Jerusalem to encounter his father, Godfrey of Ibelin, a role brought to life by Liam Neeson. Having returned from his duties in the East, Godfrey discloses to Balian that he's his legitimate father. He implores Balian, a blacksmith by profession, to stand with him in protecting the holy city. The city is presently in a state of delicate peace between Christian and Muslim forces, thanks to the prudent leadership of King Baldwin IV, his deputy Tiberias (Jeremy Irons), and the Muslim ruler Saladin (Ghassan Massoud). Despite this, the peace is jeopardized by violent provocateurs on both sides, leading to Saladin eventually yielding to demands from Muslim groups to disrupt the peace.
Kingdom of Heaven hit the screens on May 6th, 2005, and was well-received by critics. It earned four nominations at the Satellite Awards and clinched the Outstanding Original Score award. Noted film critic Roger Ebert lauded the film as "spectacular" and believed its narrative carried more depth than Scott's previous work Gladiator.
Kingdom of Heaven Locations
Kingdom of Heaven was shot in two different countries: Spain and Morocco. Most of the scenes were captured in the breathtaking locales of Ouarzazate in Morocco, and Avila, Palma del Rio, Seville in Spain.
Ouarzazate, located in the south of Morocco, is a visually captivating region in the heart of the Sahara Desert. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary rock formations. Here, mesmerizing scenes from the movie, including the wonderful mountain views can be found.
Spanning across regions of Seville, Avila, and Palma del Rio, Spain is also home to the breathtaking Casa de Pilatos and the grandeur of the Mudejar style of Alcazar de Seville. While the film showcases numerous authentic scenes, the creators also utilized digital effects. The scenes incorporating these digital enhancements include a vividly rendered pomegranate and Bloom's digitally created wig.
Visiting these Kingdom of Heaven locations is worth it for any fan of the film. The movie's backdrop, designed to capture the beauty of Morocco and Spain, is an excellent reminder of the two countries’ rich cultural heritage. From the desert of Ouarzazate to the stunning architecture of Seville, one can take in the breathtaking views of the cities while reliving the movie's scenes.
Balian meets his father scene in Kingdom of Heaven
Castillo de Loarre, A-1206, 22809 Loarre, Huesca, Spain
In the opening scene, the story takes us to a quaint village where Balian encounters a group of Crusaders. Among them is Balian's father, who introduces himself to his son. Godfrey invites Balian to join him on a journey to Jerusalem, but Balian initially hesitates and declines. The presence of the breathtaking Castillo de Loarre in the background serves as the movie's focal point during this significant exchange.
The castle featured in the film is real and is Castillo de Loarre in Huesca, Spain. This Romanesque castle and abbey bear the same name as the town they are situated in. Interestingly, the castle, initially built by a king to defend against the Moorish Huesca, was the perfect location for the Kingdom of Heaven film set. The place welcomes tourists to explore its many attractions and experiences.
The castle is easily accessible from the city of Huesca, which is well connected by road and rail to major Spanish cities. From Huesca, you can take the A-132 road towards Ayerbe and then follow the signposts to Loarre. The journey offers scenic views of the region's beautiful landscapes, making it a memorable experience for any film enthusiast or history buff.
Filming Locations Exploration
The Marshal of Jerusalem's office scene in Kingdom of Heaven
Casa de Pilatos, Pl. de Pilatos, 1, 41003 Sevilla, Spain
After Godfrey's retainers accept Balian as the new Lord of Ibelin, he quickly becomes familiar with the significant players in Jerusalem's political scene. These include King Baldwin IV, afflicted with leprosy; Tiberias, the Marshal of Jerusalem; Princess Sibylla (Eva Green), King Baldwin IV's sister; and her husband, Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas). Guy is characterized by vanity, prejudice, and cunning and is known for supporting anti-Muslim activities.
The venue chosen to depict the Marshal of Jerusalem’s office in the movie was the Casa de Pilatos. This mansion continues to be the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. When viewed through an artistic lens, this castle stands as a perfect representation of the Renaissance period. The palace, which dates back to the 15th century, is considered one of the most exquisite residences in the country. While visiting, it's worth taking the time to appreciate the palace’s Mudejar details and furnishings.
For a first-hand experience of this location, consider planning a trip to Spain. Dive into the lively local culture and deep-rooted history while discovering the notable sites showcased in the movie. Starting from Malaga, a simple two-and-a-half-hour drive along the A-92 will take you to this captivating location.
Discover Video Shoot Locations
Jerusalem Palace scenes in Kingdom of Heaven
Royal Alcázar of Seville, Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Baldwin asks Balian to marry Sybilla . Despite their shared affection, Balian refuses, unwilling to be complicit in the planned murder of Guy. After Baldwin's death, Sybilla's young son, Baldwin V (Edward Norton), ascends to the throne of Jerusalem. However, it soon becomes clear that he, too, suffers from leprosy. Overwhelmed with grief and unwilling to subject her son to a life behind a mask, Sybilla administers poison to him.
This dramatic scene is set against the backdrop of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a stunning building that blends elements of Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudejar architectural styles. The original structure was designed in the Gothic and Romanesque styles, with subsequent additions reflecting Renaissance, Islamic, and Baroque influences. Known for its extensive tile decoration, the palace's interior is a feast for the eyes. The Royal Alcázar has since become a popular tourist attraction in Seville.
To visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, you can fly into Seville Airport (SVQ), which is well connected to many international destinations. You can take a taxi or public transport from the airport to the city center. The Royal Alcázar is located in the heart of Seville, within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower.
Locate Film Shoot Locations
Muslims attack Kerak scene in Kingdom of Heaven
Jerusalem City Film Set, X22J+H94, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco
Saladin, the leader of the Muslim forces, launches an attack on Kerak, the castle belonging to Raynald (Brendan Gleeson). This is in response to Raynald's transgressions. Balian decides to safeguard the villagers trying to seek refuge in the castle from Saladin's cavalry. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Balian and his knights courageously charge at Saladin's cavalry, buying time for the villagers to escape into the safety of the castle.
This intense scene was filmed at the Jerusalem City Film Set in Ouarzazate, Morocco. An extensive set explicitly constructed for the Kingdom of Heaven still stands there, serving other productions. Although the place appears deserted, it provides a magnificent atmosphere reminiscent of the film.
You can first plan a trip to Morocco to visit this filming location. The city of Ouarzazate has its own airport, Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ). You can hire a taxi or rent a car from the airport to reach the Jerusalem City Film Set. The journey should take approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Browse Production Spaces
Saladin's forces replace the cross on the top of the church with a crescent scene in Kingdom of Heaven
Catedral de Ávila, Pl. de la Catedral, 8, 05001 Ávila, Spain
A poignant scene unfolds as Saladin's forces wreak havoc on Christian symbols, replacing the cross atop the church with a crescent. However, Saladin is privately depicted as respectful towards the Christian faith, refusing to step on stones adorned with crucifixes and later gently returning a cross to its place on a table.
This cathedral depicted in the movie is an actual Catholic church located in Ávila, Spain. Like other locations used for filming, the architecture of this tower is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles steeped in rich history. Originally intended to serve as a cathedral stronghold, it ultimately became a church. Intriguingly, a visit to this location is akin to a journey through the town's history, given its status as Spain's first Gothic cathedral.
The Catedral de Ávila is an incredibly popular tourist destination and is easy to get to. It is accessible by car and public transportation. For those driving, the cathedral is less than one-and-a-half-hour’s drive northwest from Madrid.
Conclusion
Kingdom of Heaven is an ambitious historical epic that vividly depicts the tumultuous period during the wars between Christians and Muslims for control of Jerusalem. Scott's masterful direction, combined with John Mathieson's cinematography and Arthur Max's production design, gives the movie a grand scale and visual richness that is truly impressive.
The film's battle scenes, particularly the attack of Saladin's forces on Christian-controlled Jerusalem, are breathtakingly rendered with giant balls of flame that add a thrilling spectacle to the narrative. These scenes are made even more compelling by the meticulous construction of a vast set of ancient Jerusalem, enhanced by CGI backgrounds and additional elements, lending a realistic and immersive feel to the movie.
The performances in Kingdom of Heaven are commendable. The actors convincingly portray their characters' personal codes and principles, showcasing the moral complexities of both Christian and Muslim heroes. The script effectively captures the era's essence, offering a balanced perspective of the religious conflicts.
Best of all, a visit to these Kingdom of Heaven filming locations gives you the perfect excuse to take in some stunning Spanish scenery and architecture.