Wednesday Season 1 was filmed mainly in Romania, while Season 2 was shot in Ireland. These stunning locations helped bring the show’s dark, gothic world to life.
Netflix’s Wednesday, the darkly charming series centered on Wednesday Addams from the iconic Addams Family, has captivated audiences worldwide with its gothic aesthetics and immersive storytelling. But beyond the eerie mysteries and quirky characters, the show’s distinctive atmosphere owes much to its breathtaking filming locations. Let’s take a deep dive into where Wednesday was filmed across its first two seasons—and how these settings brought the fictional world to life.
Season 1: The Gothic Charm of Romania
The first season of Wednesday was primarily filmed in Romania between September 2021 and March 2022. Romania was an ideal choice for the production due to its wealth of authentic gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture, atmospheric landscapes, and historical sites that perfectly complement the dark, mysterious, and whimsical tone of the series. The country’s unique blend of medieval castles, sprawling estates, and lush natural settings helped transport viewers to the eerie world of Nevermore Academy and its surroundings.
Cantacuzino Castle, Bușteni
This stunning neo-Renaissance castle served as the iconic exterior of Nevermore Academy, the school where much of the story unfolds. Cantacuzino Castle’s imposing turrets, detailed stonework, and sprawling grounds perfectly capture the gothic essence of the Addams Family universe. The castle’s dramatic silhouette against the Carpathian mountain backdrop added an authentic fairytale eeriness that enhanced the show’s signature visual style. Built in the early 20th century, the castle is historically significant and a prime example of Romanian aristocratic architecture.
Buftea Studios, Bucharest
A major hub for film and television production in Romania, Buftea Studios provided controlled environments for shooting intricate interior scenes of Nevermore Academy, the town of Jericho, and other key locations. The studio’s large sound stages and production facilities allowed the creative team to design elaborate sets, such as the Addams family home interiors and school hallways, giving the show a distinctive look that blends traditional gothic with modern sensibilities. The studio is known for hosting major international productions, highlighting Romania’s growing status as a film production hotspot.
Palatul Monteoru & Casa Niculescu-Dorobantu, Bucharest
These historic mansions were used for additional interior shots of Nevermore Academy and other settings, providing richly textured period details such as ornate woodwork, grand staircases, and vintage furnishings. Their preserved architectural features helped to immerse viewers in a timeless, slightly eerie atmosphere that suits Wednesday’s character and storylines.
Bucharest Botanical Garden & Sinaia Railway Station
The Botanical Garden’s diverse plant collections were featured in scenes involving the study of flora, adding a lush, slightly mysterious natural setting that contrasted with the gothic stone and wood interiors. Meanwhile, Sinaia Railway Station—known for its classic early 20th-century design—stood in for travel sequences, lending authenticity to the show’s depiction of transit and the broader world beyond Nevermore.
Why Romania?
Romania’s combination of historic castles, authentic aristocratic estates, and cinematic studios created an immersive setting that felt both eerie and enchanting. The locations helped ground Wednesday in a tangible world steeped in history and mystery, amplifying the series’ gothic narrative without relying solely on CGI or soundstage backdrops. The country’s landscapes and architecture also provided natural lighting and textures that enhanced the cinematography, contributing significantly to the show’s atmospheric and moody aesthetic.
Season 2: A New Chapter Filmed in Ireland
For its highly anticipated second season, released in 2025, Wednesday shifted its filming from Romania to Ireland, a country famed for its deep gothic heritage, rugged landscapes, and rich architectural history. This change brought a fresh visual energy to the series, while maintaining the dark, whimsical atmosphere that fans love. Ireland’s unique combination of medieval castles, historic estates, iconic urban sites, and atmospheric natural settings made it a perfect fit to continue Wednesday Addams’ story.
Charleville Castle, County Offaly
Charleville Castle became the new exterior of Nevermore Academy, replacing Romania’s Cantacuzino Castle. This Gothic Revival castle, dating back to the early 19th century, is renowned for its dramatic turrets, battlements, and intricate stone carvings. The castle’s haunting silhouette and sprawling grounds added grandeur and mystery, deepening the school’s role as a character in its own right. Charleville’s rich history—once the site of paranormal investigations—mirrors the supernatural elements woven into the show’s narrative.
Ashford Studios, County Wicklow
As the primary production hub for Season 2, Ashford Studios offered state-of-the-art facilities where the creative team built detailed interior sets, including school classrooms, hallways, and other key locations. Located near the picturesque Powerscourt Estate, the studios allowed seamless integration between indoor filming and nearby outdoor sites, enabling a cohesive visual flow. Ashford Studios is a cornerstone of Ireland’s growing film industry, hosting multiple international projects.
Trinity College Dublin
One of Ireland’s most iconic academic institutions, Trinity College stood in as Newark Airport for select scenes. Its classical Georgian architecture provided an elegant yet functional backdrop, bridging the show’s gothic aesthetic with contemporary settings. This clever reuse of an educational landmark as an airport helped root the series’ world in real, recognizable places while advancing the plot.
Holy Cross College (Clonliffe College), Dublin
This historic seminary building was used to depict parts of the fictional Willow Hill psychiatric facility, a location central to the season’s darker themes. Holy Cross College’s imposing stone façade, gothic windows, and austere interiors created an institutional atmosphere that added depth to scenes exploring mystery and tension. The building’s religious and academic heritage subtly echoed the show’s frequent interplay between the sacred and the supernatural.
Powerscourt Demesne, County Wicklow
Powerscourt’s stunning landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and grand mansion grounds were transformed into Camp Jericho, a pivotal setting where key plot events unfold. The estate’s natural beauty provided an evocative contrast to the show’s eerie undertones, creating moments of serene isolation and suspense. Powerscourt Estate is one of Ireland’s most famous country estates, known for its lush gardens and historic significance.
Dean’s Grange Cemetery, Dublin
This solemn cemetery contributed to the series’ gothic ambiance during scenes that delve into darker, more introspective moments. Its rows of weathered tombstones, towering trees, and quiet pathways offered an authentic setting for exploring themes of mortality, mystery, and legacy. The cemetery’s rich history and tranquil, haunting atmosphere resonated well with the show’s tone.
Why Ireland?
Ireland’s vast and varied gothic heritage—from castles steeped in history to lush, moody landscapes—offered Wednesday a fresh canvas while preserving its signature dark whimsy. The combination of real, iconic locations and top-tier production facilities allowed the creators to deepen the story’s atmosphere and visual storytelling. Ireland’s thriving film industry infrastructure and scenic diversity also made it a practical and inspiring choice for the series’ continuation.
Final Thoughts
Wednesday’s distinct visual style is a perfect marriage of storytelling and setting. The haunting castles, historic buildings, and lush natural scenes of Romania and Ireland aren’t just backdrops—they are vital characters in the show’s universe.
As fans eagerly await future seasons, these iconic filming locations continue to inspire curiosity and wonder, proving once again how powerful the right setting can be in crafting unforgettable television.
