Where was Kingdom of Heaven filmed?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.