The international production of the film “The Happy Prince”, which is scheduled to hit cinemas in Great Britain in June 2018, was filmed on beautiful aristocratic estates in Bavaria. The film, which is about the life of Oscar Wilde and stars Colin Firth and Emily Watson, was shot at Thurnau Castle, Kulmbach, Schmölz and the little village of Mitwitz in Franconia.
With its aristocratic palaces and picturesque countryside, Bavaria offers scenery which enchants not only travellers and holidaymakers but also filmmakers from all over the world. Elaborate productions of opulent historical dramas require exceptional settings. And thus an authentic Bavarian location has given birth to a new epic with beautiful cinematography and a star cast.
The life of Oscar Wilde as seen in Franconia
A magnificent castle and little Franconian towns in northern Bavaria provided the perfect locations for filming the historical drama “The Happy Prince”. Rupert Everett’s directorial debut starring Colin Firth and Emily Watson tells of the final years in the life of great Irish author Oscar Wilde. Half of the filming was done in Bavaria. Stately Thurnau Castle, with its four turrets, was found to be the perfect location to shoot the film, which is set in the late 19th century. The artistic plaster work is still in original condition and brings to mind the stucco creations found in Naples, where Oscar Wilde spent a good deal of time. With its seemingly endless variety of grand interiors, the castle was also the perfect location to film scenes in the story that are set in other international locations, such as a bedroom in the Hotel d’Alsace in Paris, Reading Gaol and even an old French slum in winter. The interior shots for the house of Oscar Wilde’s wife Constance, played by Emily Watson, were done in the village of Mitwitz.
A filming location surrounded by history
The locations of the film shoots can be reached within an hour from Bayreuth, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Margravial Opera House, which in April 2018 once again opened its doors to guests after undergoing extensive renovations. With elaborate wooden loges that have been preserved almost entirely in their original condition, it is known as the most important and impressive example of Baroque theatre architecture in the world. The inside, which is crafted entirely from wood and lavishly ornamented with angels, cherubs and frescoes, is among the world’s most beautiful theatre interiors.
Deutsche Welle: Bayreuth’s Margravial Opera House Becomes World Heritage Site
Aristocratic Bavaria
Towns loaded with history, majestic castles surrounded by vast parkland and romantic countryside – the most beautiful places in Bavaria are not just ideal locations for filmmakers but they are also attractive holiday destinations. These architectural jewels have fascinated visitors for centuries and now thanks to the “Aristocratic Bavaria” initiative of BAVARIA TOURISM, Bavaria’s royal legacy can be experienced like never before.
In royal palaces, castles and manors as well as traditional artisan workshops, visitors can see history close up as they walk in the footsteps of the nobility in “Aristocratic Bavaria”. Strolling through royal parkland or listening to concerts in a setting of true elegance, they can travel back in time and be transported to another world. An overnight stay within imperial walls is not just something for hopeless romantics: history buffs will also find plenty to enjoy in this special ambience. Medieval markets, jousting tournaments, shops that were once official purveyors to the royal court – these are just some of the places where history comes alive. “Aristocratic Bavaria” lets visitors immerse themselves in bygone eras and take a peek behind the scenes at castles and noble estates today.
Further information about palaces and majestic residences, marvellous parks and gardens, and places to stay during your visit to “Aristocratic Bavaria” can be found here:
www.bavaria.by/experiences/aristocratic-bavaria.
Information about getting to Bavaria and additional travel services are available here:
www.bavaria.by/service/getting-there.
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