Corvin Castle.
Photo: Corvin Castle Museum
These Historic Castles Provided the Eerie Backdrop for Count Orlok’s Lair in Nosferatu
The horror film—which takes place in a fictional German town—is nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Production Design
Robert Eggers’s Academy Award-nominated work, Nosferatu (2024), is a horror film filled with gothic sets and ominous-yet-stunning filming locations—including three historic castles, all of which can be visited by the public. Located in the Czech Republic and Romania, the following castles boast striking design and fascinating history.
Rožmitál pod Třemšínem Castle. Photo: Eva Heyd
1. Rožmitál pod Třemšínem Castle
Originally built in the 13th century as a Gothic-style structure, Rožmitál pod Třemšínem Castle—also known as Rožmitál Castle—is located in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It was later rebuilt, in the 16th century, in the Renaissance style. In Nosferatu, much of this castle’s interiors act as Count Orlok’s residence. Today, the property is privately owned and has been run by a group of volunteers since 2018.
Pernštejn Castle. Photo: Courtesy of Pernštejn Castle
2. Pernštejn Castle
In Nosferatu, Pernštejn Castle portrays the courtyard of Count Orlok’s property. In reality, the Lords of Medlov founded the castle, likely sometime between 1270 and 1285. Pernštejn Castle is located in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, and is situated on a rock, north of the village of Nedvědice and two rivers, Svratka and Nedvědička. This castle is sometimes referred to as the Marble Castle, due to the marble-like stone that borders the doors and windows. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), directed by Werner Herzog, also features Pernštejn Castle, which Eggers said he did not plan. “I’d been consciously not watching that film, so it didn’t occur to me,” he told Empire Magazine.
Corvin Castle. Photo: Corvin Castle Museum
3. Corvin Castle
Romania’s Corvin Castle acts as the exterior of Count Orlok’s castle in Nosferatu. We first see the striking castle when Nicholas Hoult’s character, Thomas Hutter, sees it from afar, making for an ominous establishing shot. This particular castle—which is a work of Renaissance-Gothic-style architecture—is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania, and it is also one of the largest castles in Europe.
Cover: Corvin Castle.
Photo: Corvin Castle Museum
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