Where was The Last Czars filmed?
2019
City Locations
Vilnius, Rumšiškės (Lithuania)
Location Types
Museum, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Foreign, Luxury, Castle
About The Last Czars
The Last Czars is a gripping Netflix series that brings viewers back to the final years of the Romanov monarchy, providing a thorough examination of one of history's most dramatic and significant periods. This six-part series expertly blends documentary materials and dramatic reenactments to create a vivid portrait of Russia on the verge of major change.
At the center of the story is Czar Nicholas II, who took the throne in 1894 and was eager to keep the autocratic rule that had made the Russian monarchy possible. But as the country goes through a period of change marked by calls for reform and social unrest, Nicholas finds himself more and more alone. His stubborn refusal to give in to the demands of progress and political change makes many of his people angry, which sets the stage for the Russian Revolution.
Viewers get a front-row seat as the series goes on to see how Nicholas and his family are destroyed by both internal and external forces working together against them. The Last Czars tells an exciting story of a monarchy in danger, combining personal and political themes.
This show's creative way of telling stories, which The Guardian called a "surreal Wikipedia entry brought to life," is fun and different. The Last Czars combines expert commentary, dramatic scenes, and historical narration in a new and entertaining way. It's a wonderful way to experience the complicated Romanov story.
The Last Czars Locations
Lithuania, a place with a rich history and fascinating architecture, was used as the setting for The Last Czars. These settings create an authentic background that brings Russia in the early 1900s to life for viewers.
Most of the scenes were filmed in Vilnius, which is the capital of Lithuania. With its cobblestone streets and grand manors, the city was a great representation of Russia when it was a Grand Duchy. Its buildings offer a mix of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and classical styles. The beautiful Verkiai Manor, which looks like a Russian castle, and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos, which gives the show's setting spiritual depth, are two famous locations that were used in filming. The show also used the lovely outdoor museum in Rumšiškės to depict the Russian countryside.
The places where The Last Czars was filmed make excellent destinations for both fans of the show and history buffs. Vilnius in particular is full of beautiful buildings and interesting history that will take your breath away.
Nicholas' coronation scene in The Last Czars
Orthodox Cathedral of The Theotokos, Maironio g. 14, Vilnius, 01124 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania
In 1894, Alexander III of Russia passed away suddenly at the age of 49, leading to his son, Nicholas II (Robert Jack), ascending to the throne at 26. Nicholas II pledged to uphold his father's stringent autocratic governance over Russia. However, his reign began under a dark cloud as his coronation festivities were overshadowed by a tragic incident resulting in numerous fatalities.
This scene was filmed at the Orthodox Cathedral of the Theotokos in Vilnius, which stands as a beacon of spiritual and architectural significance. Constructed in 1346, this historic edifice has undergone numerous renovations, with the latest in 1998, reflecting its enduring legacy within the Eastern Orthodox Christian community. Primarily serving Vilnius' ethnic Russian population, the cathedral is renowned for its beautiful services and is a testament to the city's rich religious tapestry and cultural diversity.
To visit the Orthodox Cathedral of Theotokos in Vilnius, take a bus or trolley bus heading towards Maironio g. Alternatively, Vilnius's compact city center is pedestrian-friendly, making the cathedral easily accessible on foot from key downtown locations, enhancing your exploratory experience of Lithuania's capital.
Rasputin's life in Siberia scene in The Last Czars
LLB Museum, L. Lekavičiaus g. 2, Rumšiškės, 56337 Kaišiadorių r. sav., Lithuania
Grigori Rasputin (Ben Cartwright) sets off on a spiritual quest throughout Siberia that would define his legacy. During this pilgrimage, he draws notice and admiration for miraculously healing an old man, demonstrating his alleged spiritual skills. Rasputin is frequently associated with the Khlysty sect, a religious group that deviates from Orthodox Christianity through unusual activities, adding to his enigmatic and controversial character.
The Open-Air Museum of Lithuania is one of the largest regional open-air museums in Europe, and it was also used in filming The Last Czars.Located in a 195-hectare park, the museum is a one-of-a-kind look into the country's cultural history, with real-life recreations of life in rural Lithuania. It's a lively place where people can learn about and experience traditional Lithuanian culture and customs. They can look at different historical buildings, watch folk shows, and take part in hands-on workshops.
People can get to the LLB Museum in Rumšiškės from Vilnius or Kaunas. Taking the A1 from Vilnius will get you to the museum in about an hour.
Yusupov killing Rasputin scene in The Last Czars
Verkiai Regional Park, Žaliųjų Ežerų g., 08425 Vilnius, Lithuania
In December 1916, Felix Yusupov (Gerard Miller) summons Rasputin (Ben Cartwright) under the pretense of discussing an important matter, during which Rasputin becomes intoxicated. Returning with a handgun, Yusupov fires at Rasputin. Surprisingly, Rasputin regains consciousness and flees, only to fall to the ground. There, he is shot once more, this time fatally.
This scene was filmed in Lithuania’s Verkiai Regional Park. Located in Vilnius, this park is a captivating destination that offers a picturesque blend of natural and historical wonders. Encompassing lush woodlands, the park features a stunning lookout over the meandering Neris River, offering breathtaking panoramas of Vilnius city. Home to the notable 18th-century neoclassical Verkiai Palace complex and the serene Green Lakes, it provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
To visit Verkiai Regional Park in Vilnius, visitors can opt for public transport or drive. If driving, start from downtown Vilnius, with the park approximately a 20-minute drive away. For public transportation, buses such as numbers 5, 14, and 21 frequently run towards the park area from central Vilnius, providing an easy and scenic route for visitors.
Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich's carriage explosion scene in The Last Czars
Franciscan Monastery, Trakų g. 9, Vilnius, 01132 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania
The Grand Duke's (Gavin Mitchell) carriage traverses the cobblestone streets, its occupant unaware of the impending danger. Suddenly, an explosion violently shatters the calm, the result of a bomb thrown by revolutionary Ivan Kalyayev aimed at the carriage. This meticulously crafted sequence captures the chaos and immediate aftermath of the assassination, emphasizing the shock and horror of those present.
This scene was filmed near the Franciscan Monastery in Vilnius. A beacon of Lithuania's rich religious heritage, the monastery dates back to the 14th century. Initially established during the reign of Gediminas, it has played a pivotal role in the cultural and spiritual life of the city. Known for its intellectual contributions, the monastery hosted a school, a printing house, and theological conferences in the 17th century. Its history intertwines with the martyrdom of 14 Franciscan friars, cementing its legendary status.
The monastery's central location in Old Town makes it easily accessible and a perfect addition to any sightseeing itinerary in Vilnius. It’s found just a 10-minute walk south from the city center.
Czarina Alexandra in her Mauve Boudoir scene in The Last Czars
Trakų Vokė Manor, Žalioji a. 2A, Vilnius, 02232 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna's (Susanna Herbert) Mauve Boudoir has been lovingly recreated, mimicking the ambiance of her beloved retreat in the Alexander Palace. This lavender symphony, which is vital to her personal and family life, is lit by soft light passing through lace curtains. It is decorated with excellent furnishings and personal keepsakes, reflecting Alexandra's refined taste and profound love for her family.
This scene was filmed in the Trakų Vokė Manor, which is a beautiful example of a neoclassical building from the 1800s. It is located on the picturesque outskirts of Vilnius, Lithuania. It was once the home of the noble Tiškevičius family and has a beautifully renovated main building, an English-style park, and calm ponds that make for a perfect setting. It is now a culture center that hosts many events, exhibitions, and educational programs.
You can either drive or take the bus to get to Trak̳ Vokė Manor in Vilnius, Lithuania. The house is easy to get to from the center of Vilnius and is just a 25-minute drive southwest of the city.
Conclusion
The Last Czars, an interesting mix of documentary and drama, tells the sad story of the Romanovs, Russia's last royal family, and how they died too soon during the Russian Revolution. Various locations in eastern Europe were carefully chosen to bring this sad story to life. They capture the mood of the time with a realistic and dramatic flair. The story is made more interesting by each site, with various locations in Lithuania providing key settings for the series. The Last Czars is a groundbreaking book that tells the story of the fall of a country through the eyes of real people and big historical events, and this excellent re-creation brings the story to life on the screen.